Introduction: Infectious diseases have had a significant role in shaping human history by engraving a subconscious sense of ‘fear of infection’. The three sequential stages of the rational response to fear- fear, denial, and frustration, have been reported as predominant among quarantined individuals during any outbreak. To our knowledge, this was one of the first studies to assess the impact of the first case of COVID-19 among the neighbouring dwellers. Methods: A semi-qualitative study was conducted through telephonic interviews. Detailed descriptions of the experiences of the inhabitants after coming to know about the first incidence of a patient of COVID-19 in the locality were obtained. Participants were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Semi-structured in-depth telephonic interviews were done at a time convenient for participants between April 9 to 11, 2020. Results: Source of information for all the participants was from a neighbour and the participants came to know about the news on 7th of April 2020. All the participants were aware of the correct attitudes and practices of the general public to be followed during the pandemic including hand hygiene, use of face masks, social distancing and adhering to the government lockdown rules. Mixed reactions of panic, fear and confusion were obtained. Most participants were concerned about children and elderly at home, financial constraints due to the blockage of the locality from adjoining areas, everyday hassles that they were about to experience, etc. Despite most participants having minimal fear of contracting the illness themselves, fear of a family member acquiring the same seemed to be significantly higher on hearing the news. ConclusionThe study adds to the existing literature that fear and anxiety during a pandemic are mostly due to the uncertainty related to the disease spread and misinformation. There is a need for phased and well informed lockdown implementation and better knowledge propagation among the general public in order to mitigate unwanted fear and panic among the general public.