On March 24, 2020, After the lockdown became ineffective, Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Captain Amarinder Singh has ordered an indefinite curfew across the state. With this, it becomes the 1st state in the country to take drastic measure to stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). After Punjab ,the Chandigarh Union Territory (UT) Administration has also imposed curfew in the city to check the spread of virus.
Difference between lock down, curfew & Section 144:
What is a Lockdown:-
It is an emergency tool that prevents people from leaving a given area. This scenario usually allows for essential supplies, grocery stores, pharmacies and banks to continue to serve the people. All non-essential activities remain shut for the entire period. It can be enforced by a Collector or Chief Medical Officer(CMO) under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897.
What is section 144?
Section 144 of the IPC (Indian Penal Code) prevents the congregation of 5 or more people within a particular area. Under this, anyone found in violation will be booked under Section 188 of IPC for disobeying a public servant.
What is curfew:-
It differs in every country, means keeping people off the streets for pre-decided hours. Any violation is met with a fine or arrest. Curfew includes complete closure essential services in addition to Section 144. Only administration & police personnel are allowed on the street. The district administration is exempt from action, once the curfew is enforced.

THE EPIDEMIC DISEASES ACT, 1897:-
An Act to provide for the better prevention of the spread of Dangerous Epidemic Diseases. Powers of Central Government. When the Central Government is satisfied that India or any part thereof is visited by, or threatened with, an outbreak of any dangerous epidemic disease and that the ordinary provisions of the law for the time being in force are insufficient to prevent the outbreak of such disease or the spread thereof, the Central Government may take measures and prescribe regulations for the inspection of any ship or vessel leaving or arriving at any port in 5 the territories to which this Act extends] and for such detention thereof, or of any person intending to sail therein, or arriving thereby, as may be necessary.]
3. Penalty. Any person disobeying any regulation or order made under this Act shall be deemed to have committed an offence punishable under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860 ).
4. Protection to persons acting under Act. No suit or other legal proceeding shall lie against any person for anything done or in good faith intended to be done under this Act.