With the UP government imposing a 55-hour lockdown starting Friday 10 pm, Noida residents lined up outside stores before markets shut for the weekend.

Among them was Pratap Singh (48), a resident of Sector 37, who waited in line outside Debon, a meat shop in Alaknanda Market. “I am not buying too much since it is only a two-day lockdown. I’m buying a few fresh items, dry food is already stocked up at home,” he said.

While rumours abound that the lockdown would be extended, RWAs were however unperturbed as home delivery is allowed.

Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Pradeep Kumar, Chairman of Jalvayu Vihar society, Sector 25, said, “Since it is only a two-day lockdown, we have not made any special provisions. Stores like Safal and Mother Dairy will remain open as they were in the earlier lockdown.”

Regarding domestic helps, he said that the society will not stop anyone from entering. “There may be aged and handicapped people who need assistance. But it remains to be seen whether domestic helps are able to come from different localities,” he said.

Besides markets, haats, mandis, commercial establishments and offices will also be shut.

The lockdown order, issued by UP Chief Secretary RK Tiwari on July 9, stated that all essential and medical services will continue.

Following the UP order, Noida DM issued a circular stating that shops, offices and commercial establishments, including malls, will be closed. “Supply of essential goods through home delivery should be allowed,” it read. The order adds that movement from airports and railway stations will be permitted.  Those working in essential services will be allowed to move around, provided they show their ID cards.

Those engaged in activities permitted by the government (essential services), will not require separate passes. A fine of Rs 500 can be imposed for non-compliance to wear a face mask.

Sushil Kumar Jain, President of the Noida Sector 18 Market Association, said, “Only a few shops selling basic needs, such as groceries, will be opened. Home delivery will be available.”

However, he added, “This time, people are not hoarding much. Since the shops have been following an odd-even scheme, there was not too much crowd noticed today.”

Later in the evening, people queued up outside liquor stores and confectionaries in Sector 50 market, where a PCR van made continuous  announcements that people should stay home till Monday morning unless it is an emergency.