Lockdowns are measures taken by governments to restrict movement and activities of people in response to emergencies, such as a public health crisis or natural disaster. During a lockdown, individuals may be required to stay at home, and non-essential businesses may be closed to prevent the spread of disease, like during the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of a lockdown is to reduce contact between people, thereby limiting the transmission of illness. Authorities may implement lockdowns for varying durations, depending on the situation, and they often provide guidelines on what activities are allowed, such as grocery shopping or outdoor exercise.