People buy vegetables at a market during lockdown in the wake of novel coronavirus pandemic, at Daryaganj in New Delhi, Tuesday, March 24, 2020 | Photo Credit: PTI

Key Highlights Coronavirus: Essential ration shops will remain open during the during lockdown period 'No need to panic': PM Modi says essential commodities, medicines etc. would be available India under lockdown for 21 days from midnight March 24 to combat COVID-19 outbreak

New Delhi: As the nation-wide lockdown for 21 days will come into effect starting midnight, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ensured the people of continuous supply of essential commodities.

Essential ration shops will remain open during the lockdown and one member per family will be allowed to go out for essentials.

All essential services to continue and remain functional. The list of essential services remains unchanged since the March 22nd Janta Curfew, ANI reported. Click here to know what are essential services - the list that is exempted during coronavirus lockdown.

UPDATE: All essential services to continue and remain functional. List of essential services remains unchanged since the March 22nd 'Janta Curfew' #Coronavirus https://t.co/d8YYCNjIvo — ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2020

While announcing the counter measures for coronavirus pandemic, PM Modi said lockdown of 21 days is a long time, but this is important for you and your family's safety.

"I believe that every Indian will not only successfully tackle this challenge but also emerge victorious in this time of crisis," he added.

No need to panic: PM Modi

While assuring non-stop supply of essential items during the lockdown period, PM Modi said there is absolutely no need for anyone to panic.

"My fellow citizens, THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO NEED TO PANIC. Essential commodities, medicines etc. would be available. Centre and various state governments will work in close coordination to ensure this. Together, we will fight COVID-19 and create a healthier India. Jai Hind! (sic)" PM Modi tweeted.

My fellow citizens,



THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO NEED TO PANIC.



Essential commodities, medicines etc. would be available. Centre and various state governments will work in close coordination to ensure this.



Together, we will fight COVID-19 and create a healthier India.



Jai Hind! — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 24, 2020

The Prime Minister further urged people to not indulge in panic buying as the Centre and State Governments will ensure all essentials are available during the lockdown period.

"By converging around shops, you are risking the spread of COVID-19. No panic buying please. Please stay indoors. I repeat- Centre and State Governments will ensure all essentials are available," the PM said in another tweet.

By converging around shops, you are risking the spread of COVID-19.



No panic buying please.



Please stay indoors.



I repeat- Centre and State Governments will ensure all essentials are available. https://t.co/bX00az1h7l — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 24, 2020

List of essentials unchanged: Dr Harsh Vardhan

Meanwhile, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan has assured people that the essential services will remain functional during the lockdown period as ensured by PM Modi.



"As we move towards a 21-day #CoronavirusLockdown, PM @narendramodi ji has ensured that all essential services shall continue & remain functional. Pls spread the message that the List of essential services remains unchanged since the March 22nd 'Janta Curfew' #IndiaFightsCorona. (sic)" he tweeted.

As we move towards a 21-day #CoronavirusLockdown ,PM @narendramodi ji has ensured that all essential services shall continue & remain functional.

Pls spread the message that the List of essential services remains unchanged since the March 22nd 'Janta Curfew' #IndiaFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/KdyBm4EcXQ — Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) March 24, 2020

The Health Minister also appealed to the people to strictly follow the lockdown for the next 21 days to control the pandemic.

"I welcome PM Modi's step to completely lockdown the entire country I make a humble request to you to follow this strategy for the next 21 days to control the pandemic! We all have no option but to stay at home," he said in a tweet.

For full coverage on the coronavirus epidemic, click here.