Indian prime minister Narendra Modi has announced a “total lockdown” in the country of 1.3 billion people during a televised address.
It is the most extensive stay-at-home order yet in the world’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
The 21-day lockdown was set to begin at midnight.
“To save India and every Indian, there will be a total ban on venturing out of your homes,” Mr Modi said.
He said that if the county failed to manage the next 21 days, it would be set back 21 years.
Indian health officials have reported 469 active cases of Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus, and 10 deaths.
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