People are flocking to supermarkets in many places in the country since the government announced 21-day long lockdown, starting Wednesday.

🙏🙏👏👏👇👇 👍

An example of Social distancing outside a grocery shop... pic.twitter.com/yODpyz0boc — Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) March 25, 2020

Though the government assured there was plenty of stock, people are seen panic buying essential goods at grocery shops stores, local independent stores and corner shops, anticipating full-on lock down days ahead.

The sudden peak in demand has cause severe strain in the system. As hundreds of shoppers picked up goods, shops are trying hard to keep up with the rising demand. Despite the best efforts some shops are finding it difficult to replenish the stock quickly.

Shopkeepers are resorting to innovative methods to follow instructions laid down by the government. Police have announced that they would close down shops that violate the official guidelines in relation to the coronavirus outbreak.

In Puducherry Milk booth.

Social distancing... pic.twitter.com/1nhoZZkyhS — Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) March 25, 2020

People are patiently standing in line outside the stores, maintaining safe distance, as only limited number of people are allowed inside. Some shops have even marked out designated locations for shoppers-in-waiting to maintain social distancing outside the shop. As private security staff maintained strict vigil, each one goes inside with sanitizer sprayed to disinfect the hands.

Meanwhile, authorities have warned sops against hoarding of goods and price gouging.