The city has been locked down. Movement of citizens has been limited to emergency and essential services to contain the possible spread of the coronavirus.

In effect, it means citizens cannot come out of their homes and move around in public places unless they have an emergency to explain.

Till now, the administration had been requesting and advising people to stay indoors. But for the first time in years, the entire city is witnessing a lockdown and authorities can prosecute those found violating the order.

Till Monday midnight, 255 people were arrested for allegedly violating the lockdown.

Calcutta police have deployed a large force of officers at earmarked crossings to check the movement of vehicles. Multiple teams are patrolling the city to ensure people stay indoors.

The Telegraph spoke to several officers to understand how normal life will be affected in the city. The lockdown came into force from 5pm on Monday. “Is it okay to go for morning walk, alone? The government notification has prohibited a congregation of more than seven people, what if I go alone?” asked a resident of Southern Avenue.

The answer is “No”, according to officers in Lalbazar.

If everyone starts going out individually, they, too, will contribute to a crowd and that will defeat the purpose of the “lockdown”, an officer said.

Places like Rabindra Sarobar, Subhas Sarobar and the parks on the Victoria Memorial premises will be closed to public to avoid any possible gathering of walkers.

Anyone seen outside their homes from Tuesday may be questioned and asked to produce documents to justify why they outside their homes, police said.

The Telegraph

The state government has issued a lockdown notice, barring essential and emergency services. “Do not step out of home unless absolutely necessary, otherwise it will not be possible to contain the spread of the contagious virus. Else, be prepared to face the police,” an officer said.

Any person found violating the rule and failing to justify his/her presence in a public place — irrespective of he/she being alone or in a group of seven or more — may be arrested by the police, according to the home department.

The maximum punishment for an “accused” is two years in jail and/or fine. Calcutta police commissioner Anuj Sharma urged residents of the city to “seriously follow the restrictions”. “The restrictions as per the government order have come in force with effect from 5pm today (Monday). I would request all citizens to follow the restrictions seriously as it should be kept in mind that these have been issued in their interest,” Sharma said.

“I think there should not be any confusion in respect of the instructions. The baseline is to stay home and don’t come out unnecessarily except for some specific urgency.”

Sharma reiterated the legal provisions under which a person violating the rule could be booked. “Everyone should be aware that legal action/ prosecution can be initiated for non-compliance of the order,” he said.

The commissioner said the police had made arrangements for the safety and security of citizen. Besides, teams from the enforcement branch have been deployed to take action against hoarders. “I would once again request citizens to follow the restrictions seriously. In case you want to share something, dial 100. We will help you,” Sharma said.