Patna/Ranchi, Mar 23 (IANS): A large number of people were out buying essential commodities such as vegetable and grocery in Bihar and Jharkhand capitals on Monday following a lockdown declared by the state governments as part of measures to contain coronavirus. The inter-state bus terminal at Patna's Meethapur was crowded as people were anxiously waiting for transport which has been suspended.

All essential services are exempt from the lockdown.

Officials have warned people to stay indoors as part of social distancing to combat coronavirus.

In Bihar's Kishanganj and Nawada districts, the impact of social distancing was not visible much as private vehicles continue to ply as usual. Vegetable and fish markets were crowded.

The state's Sitamarhi witnessed deserted streets and police personnel were asking shopkeepers to shut shops. Tempo and other private vehicles are being prevented from plying.

In Jharkhand's Latehar district, markets are open despite state government's announcement of a lockdown.

In Ranchi, people were buying vegetables and other daily-use items.

Both Bihar and Jharkhand governments on Sunday announced a lockdown and officials appealed to people to stay indoors. Road transport and work in various government wings has been suspended till March 31. All essential services have been kept out of the preventive measures.