Some defy India's sweeping virus lockdown but most stay in

NEW DELHI (AP) — Indians woke up to deserted streets on Wednesday as the government began the gargantuan task of keeping 1.3 billion people indoors during a Hindu holiday season to prevent the coronavirus from rapidly spreading across the subcontinent.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of a three-week countrywide lockdown covering nearly one-fifth of the world's population triggered panic buying on Tuesday night, but the situation eased after the government issued notices that essential services would be provided.

In recent days, India had gradually expanded stay-at-home orders, banned international and domestic flights and suspended passenger service on its extensive rail system until March 31.

Television images from many cities and towns on Wednesday showed shuttered markets and offices. Normally bustling railway stations stood empty. Joggers awkwardly navigated around each other while trying to maintain proper social distancing.

Police and security forces were deployed to keep people indoors, but allowed residents to buy essentials such as milk, bread and other groceries.

India has reported 519 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the disease cause by the coronavirus, and nine deaths.

As the day broke, major roads in India’s capital, usually jammed with traffic, were eerily quiet. The normal steady flow of pedestrians slowed to a trickle.

In Malviya Nagar, one of the capital's busiest neighborhoods, people lined up outside open grocery shops.

“Delhi looks like a ghost town,” said 29-year-old Nishank Gupta. “I have never seen the city so quiet before.”

At a pharmacy, Sushil Agarwal, an accountant, looked for a silver living.

“Surely, this is a time for introspection because people can realize what unpredictable things can happen to their lives. So...