Bengaluru: The nation of more than 1.3 billion people lived under lockdown for more than three weeks as the government was trying hard to prevent the spread of novel Coronavirus. But a 21-day period of confinement has not been enough to stop the spread of COVID-19 and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the extension of lockdown till May 3.

Amidst this extended lockdown, Karnataka Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa on Tuesday launched a home delivery helpline for people in Bengaluru so that the residents do not unnecessarily step out of their homes for any essentials amid the COVID-19 lockdown.

As for now the only way to suspend the spread of novel Coronavirus is to practice social distancing. It has proved out to be a healthy option but people have to step out of their homes to purchase groceries and vegetables.

Between the lockdown, the initiative of opening the home delivery helpline is quite welcoming. The helpline was created by city civic body Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA).

According to the official statement, "All essentials will be delivered to your doorstep from now on by placing the order on the helpline 080-61914960, People must not step out even for the purchase of any essential commodities,".

People can order the essential items by a phone call as well as through WhatsApp messages.

Through this helpline people can buy groceries, vegetables, and medicines by paying a delivery fee of Rs 10, however, no refunds, replacements or returns will be entertained.

An outsourced team of 50 executives is handling the helpline in the city.