What is the news: As India observed a “janata curfew” from 7 am to 9 pm on 22nd March refraining from making any non-essential movements, they are implementing a version of what is referred to, most commonly in the United States, as a “shelter in place” order.

What exactly is a “Shelter in Place”?

• In the context of the US, it is not a precise legal term, and its meaning and implications vary.
• It conveys the broad idea of a set of restrictions being put into place, but follows not set definition.
• Broadly, “shelter in place” orders everywhere social distancing, which is the key to “flattening the curve”, that is, spreading out the incidence of infection over a longer time so that healthcare systems are not overwhelmed.
• Ultimately, the intent of the protocols is to decide what people should and shouldn’t do based on a particular threat to the public.

Indian concept of self-imposed curfew

• There is no exact definition of a “Janata curfew” — the PM has laid down guidelines for what Indians should not do, and authorities have taken steps to ensure compliance through appeals, advisories, and executive action such as invoking prohibitory orders.
• In the cities, traders’ associations and housing societies have voluntarily put curbs on themselves in response to the PM’s call.

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