As Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech on Tuesday night, declaring a 21-day nationwide lockdown, sent Mumbaikars into a panic with many thronging the streets on Wednesday to hoard essentials, mid-day tries to clear the confusion and answer your most urgent questions about the shutdown.

The panic-buying of the essential items, which is supposed to be available during the lockdown, started on Wednesday despite the state government's request to the public to not hoard as there will be constant supply of necessary items like vegetables, grocery and medicines. In several areas, including Kurla, Borivali, Vakola and Andheri, people flooded the streets to make the purchases.