India is to introduce a full lockdown from midnight tonight for 21 days.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a televised address, "There will be a total ban on venturing out of your homes." 

Saving the lives of every Indian is my biggest priority, says PM Modi.

And said, "I urge you to forget the outside world for these 21 days. Forget every work except the work of staying at home. With this order, we have drawn a 'lakshan rekha' around your house from now onwards." 

There have been 482 confirmed cases of coronavirus and nine deaths in India so far.

Asian Image:

A Delhi police officer pulls the remains of an anti new citizenship law banner as police and local authorities clear the protest site of Shaheen Bagh as part of virus-containment measures, in New Delhi, India, Tuesday, March 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Asian Image:

Indian paramilitary soldiers wearing face masks and gloves stand guard outside a mosque as police and local authorities clear the protest site of Shaheen Bagh as part of virus-containment measures, in New Delhi, India, Tuesday, March 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

As India halted its train network, the country's lifeblood, the federal government warned Monday of strict legal action for those who flout the rules.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms. For some it can cause more severe illness.