India now officially moves into lockdown 4.0, which will extend till May 31, 2020.
States have been given the responsibility to manage the new phase of the lockdown, ensure that COVID-19 doesn’t spread and also to deal with the migrants issue.
Here are the key takeaways-
– Strict parameters in containment zones need to be followed. Another zone has been added, called the buffer zone – which is in between the containment and red zone. These will be demarcated around each containment zone.
– State governments can categorise red, green, orange zones individually.
The following activities are PROHIBITED:
1. All air and rail services including Metro services suspended till May 31.
2. Schools and educational institutions to also remain shut.
3. Hotels and restaurants- except home delivery allowed as they can operate kitchens.
4. All cinema halls, shopping malls, restaurants, gymnasiums, entertainment parks, swimming pools, theatres, bars and auditoriums, assembly halls and similiar places.
5. Large gatherings of all kinds banned.
6. All religious places of worship will be closed to public.
E-commerce – no bar has been put. States are advised to follow a staggered opening. Social distancing to be maintained strictly. Only 5 customers at a point.
What is ALLOWED:
– Inter-State movement if passenger vehicles and buses, depending upon mutual consent of the states.
Protocol and standard operation procedures to be followed.
– Except for essential services, night curfew (7pm to 7am) to continue.
– In containment zones, only essential services will continue.
– Sports complexes and stadiums will, however, be allowed to open but without spectators.
Social distancing, wearing masks etc continue as earlier.
Strict adherence to all procedures needs to be followed. Any person not following them can face legal implications, that have been clearly outlined in the MHA statement.