New Delhi: As the cases of coronavirus in the country increased, the government stepped up measures to control the spread of the virus. On March 24, 2020, the Prime Minister had announced a 21-day nationwide lockdown to curb the virus. It was probably the first time that most people had heard the term and it took a few days to completely understand the implications. But despite the lockdown, some areas showed an increase in numbers and became ‘hotspots’ for the virus. Now many several states like Uttar Pradesh and Delhi have announced the sealing of hotspot areas. While in both cases staying at home is implied, there are some differences.

Lockdown: During a lockdown, while one is supposed to stay at home you can still step out to buy essentials or for medical emergencies. Shops selling essential items and pharmacies remain open. But one cannot roam around without any reason and can only purchase essentials during specific timings given by the government. Strict action is being taken by the police against violators of the lockdown. Recently 12 people were arrested in Navi Mumbai for violating lockdown guidelines and stepping out for a morning walk.

Sealing: Certain areas within several states have seen a sudden jump in the number of cases compared to other areas. These areas have been termed as hotspots. The government such as that in Uttar Pradesh has announced the sealing of hotspots. Once an area is sealed the residents of that place will not be allowed to step out of their home at all. Entry and exit from the area are completely prohibited. Health workers then go door to door to screen every resident.  A record is kept for all those who have encountered an infected person and each one of them is screened. This is done so that the virus has no chance to spread beyond the area and the number of cases does not spike further. It also makes it easier and faster to identify and treat those who have been infected. Sealing measures have already been in place in Bhilwara in western Rajasthan and Indore. Now, Uttar Pradesh government has also announced the sealing of Coronavirus hotspots identified in 15 districts of the state till April 15 to avoid the community spread of coronavirus. According to reports the districts which will be completely sealed are the state capital Lucknow, Agra, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar, Kanpur, Varanasi, Shamli, Meerut, Bareilly, Bulandshahar, Firozabad, Maharajganj, Sitapur, Saharanpur and Basti due to viral load of COVID-19. Delhi government announced the sealing of around 20 Coronavirus hotspots.

The government has also hinted on an extension of the lockdown, although the final decision will be taken by the Prime Minister after meeting Chief Ministers of all states and accessing the situation.