At dawn, several elderly residents set off for their morning walk here. Joggers and cyclists are a common sight, all headed to a nearby park, stadium or field.

But on Saturday, not a single person was seen on National Highways 37, 52 and 51. “I am a heart patient, I used to walk slowly with two another friends from Rupai siding to Doomdooma, a 2km stretch, the fresh air acting like a tonic for me. But it has stopped now,” Runuma Bora, 58, said.

“The nearby school field, stadium and park are just few meters away from my house but are locked now. The yoga and martial arts classes are suspended. Top priority is being given to save ourselves from novel coronavirus which spreads basically due to gathering,” Madhusmita Saikia, a local resident, said.

“We are staying at home and only going out if it is essential or there is an emergency. But we are worried as most of the business hinges on the tea industry,” said Nirod Barua, a businessman.