Lockdown extended by 2 weeks from May 4 with some relaxation

The nationwide lockdown which was scheduled to end on Sunday, 3rd May, has been extended for another two weeks i.e. till May 17 2020. However, this time, considerable relaxations have been announced for the districts falling under red, orange and green zones. The economically-important cities like Ahmedabad, Banglore along with the 4 metros are marked under the red zone.

However, this time, more services will be allowed to resume especially in the zones which are virus-free and which have reported minimal cases of coronavirus.

The prohibition includes movement of individuals for “non-essential” activities between 7 pm and 7 am. Besides, senior citizens, kids below 10 years of age and people with vulnerable health conditions are to stay at home except for health purposes.

According to the Ministry of Health, the third phase of lockdown would allow local workers including the domestic help to work during the day. However, states are expected to clarify the rules according to the local condition in this regard.

Private offices can also resume their work with 33% of staff strength even in the red zones.

The Health Ministry has set a framework for states on the basis of the norms. The states are allowed to increase the restrictions but cannot dilute them. As per these norms, greens zones or the areas which have not reported any fresh COVID-19 cases in the last 21 days, are allowed to come back to normalcy.

The movement of taxis, autos and rickshaws are allowed in these areas. Buses will also be allowed to operate at 50% capacity in green zones.

This relaxation will also be applicable to the regions falling under the orange zone where no cases have been detected for a fortnight.

However, in the zones marked as red, such movement is prohibited. Private four-wheelers with 2 passengers in the back and two-wheelers without any pillion rider are permitted in red zones.

E-commerce companies are also allowed to deliver non-essential items in both green and orange zone but not in the red zone.

Overall, throughout the country, not many activities are prohibited in Lockdown 3.0.

Prohibited activities throughout the country include:

• Travel by Air, Rail, Metro
• Inter-state movement by road
• Running of educational institutes and coaching centres
• Hospitality Services – Hotels and Restaurant
• Large public gatherings
• Cinema Hall
• Malls
• Gyms
• Sport Complexes
• Religious places