New Delhi: The Centre, on Sunday extended the nationwide coronavirus lockdown by two more weeks from May 18 while easing curbs in areas with limited virus infection to boost the economy. This is the third extension since the lockdown was imposed on March 25.
The nation-wide lockdown 4.0 will end on May 31, said a National Disaster Management (NDMA) order which followed similar announcements already made by Punjab, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
Considering the fact that the lockdown measures need to be implemented for a further period in the country to contain the spread of novel coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic, the NDMA directed the ministries, departments of Indian government and states to continue the lockdown measures up to May 31.
The authorities further directed departments concerned to issue modifications in the guidelines as necessary, keeping in view the need to open up economic activities while containing the spread of the deadly COVID-19
virus, it said.
The extension came amid considerable relaxations being introduced in non-containment zones across the country. The order came as the lockdown 3.0 was to end on Sunday midnight.
According to the fresh guidelines for lockdown 4.0 issued by the home ministry, the movement of individuals shall remain “strictly prohibited” between 7 pm to 7 am, except for essential activities.
What’s allowed?
*Movement of people during the daytime, and inter-state transport — buses and public vehicles with consent between states
*Sports complexes and stadiums can be opened, but no spectators are allowed
*Flights allowed by the Home Ministry for security and medical purposes
* Online/ distance learning
*Hospitality services meant for housing health/ police/ Government officials/ healthcare workers/ stranded persons including tourists and for quarantine facilities; and running of canteens at bus depots, railway stations and airports. Restaurants shall be permitted to operate kitchens or home delivery of food items.
Not Allowed
*Air travel (all domestic and international) and metro rail
*Malls, Cinema theatres, gyms, swimming pools, entertainment parks, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places
*Mass gatherings
*Schools and Colleges
*Hotels and clubs
*All religious places/ places of worship. Religious congregations are strictly prohibited.
States allowed to demarcate zones
For the states, the big change was that they would be allowed to demarcate the red, green and orange zones — a key demand of the states during last week’s meeting between Chief Ministers and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The MHA has also transferred power to the states/UTs to delineate red, orange and green zones in accordance with the parameter issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Government of India.
Containment zones and buffer zones within red and orange zones will be demarcated by the district authorities.
However, only essential activities will be permitted in containment zones that will also be subjected to intensive tracing, house-to-house surveillance and other clinical interventions.
National directives
Wearing face masks will be compulsory in all public and workplaces, social distancing has to be followed and spitting will attract fines. Wedding functions will be permitted with not more than 50 guests and only 20 people will be allowed to attend a funeral.
Shops have been directed to ensure a minimum of six feet distance among customers and to restrict more than five people inside a shop at one time.
