Fig. 2

The COVID-19 epidemic curve of India. Notes: (1) On January 25, 2020, the government issued a travel warning, requiring the public to avoid unnecessary trips to China. (2) On February 2, 2020, the Indian electronic visa service for Chinese passport holders and visa applicants of other nationalities residing in China was suspended. (3) On March 11, 2020, the border will be closed, and passengers from countries with severe epidemics would be quarantined for 14 days after entering the country. (4) From March 16, 2020, the schools and universities were closed. (5) On March 22, 2020, the "Janta" curfew was implemented. (6) On March 25, 2020, India began a 21-day complete lockdown. (7) On April 20, 2020, the opening of agricultural enterprises, including dairy products, aquaculture and plantations, was allowed. Cargo transportation vehicles were allowed to operate. Banks and government centers that distribute benefits were also allowed to open. (8) On May 4, 2020, the government divided the states into red, orange, and green areas for district management. (9) From May 12, 2020, passenger train operations were gradually restarted. (10) On 17 May 2020, the red and orange zones were divided into containment zones and buffer zones. People in the containment zone were not allowed to enter and exit, and only necessary activities were allowed. (11) The first phase of unblocking began on June 1, 2020. (12) On July 1, 2020, the second phase of unsealing began. (13) On August 1, 2020, the third phase of unsealing began. (14) On September 1, 2020, the fourth phase of unsealing began. (15) On September 21, 2020, in areas outside the quarantine area, up to 50% of teaching and non-teaching staff could be allowed to go to the school for online teaching or remote tutoring. (16) On October 15, 2020, the fifth phase of unsealing began. (17) On 27 January 2021, new surveillance, containment and warning guidelines were issued, providing that all activities were permitted except a few that were permitted under certain restrictions, and phased development, gradual resumption, etc., would continue. (18) On March 25, 2021, India restricted the export of vaccines. (19) On April 19, 2021, New Delhi implemented a city blockade. (20) In May 2021, curfew measures were implemented in many places, and Madhya Pradesh was completely blocked. (21) On May 16, 2021, New Delhi announced the fourth extension of the blockade