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With no signs of an immediate flattening of the curve of Covid-19 cases, the Centre on Sunday announced an extension of the nationwide lockdown till May 31, while easing some rules.
Passenger vehicles/buses can ply within and between States, with conditions, but metro trains will not be permitted.
Shops and e-commerce sales (both essential and non-essential) have been allowed in all places barring containment zones. This means salons, sports complexes and stadiums (sans spectators) will be permitted to open. Hotels and restaurants will also remain closed but home delivery from restaurants will be permitted. Also, the ‘night curfew’ between 7 pm and 7 am will continue.
The Centre has permitted States and Union Territories to delineate Red, Orange and Green zones. Within Red and Orange Zones, containment zones and buffer zones will be demarcated by district authorities. Only essential activities will be allowed in containment zones. Also, there will be strict perimeter control to ensure that there is no movement of people in or out of these areas except for medical emergencies and supply of essential goods/services.
Persons above 65 years of age, those with co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below 10 years shall stay at home except for essential and health purposes. Face covers are compulsory in all public and work places. Also, workplaces will need to ensure social distancing, temperature checks and sanitisation.
Tamil Nadu lockdown till May 31
Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu government on Sunday extended the lockdown till May 31. However, some relaxations have been announced for 25 districts where Covid-19 cases are relatively low.
A press release said schools, colleges, places of worship, cinemas and bars will remain shut across the State. The existing restrictions will continue in containment zones across Tamil Nadu. In 12 districts, including Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Chengapattu and Ranipet, all the existing restrictions will continue to be in place.
Maharashtra lockdown
The Maharashtra government, too, on Sunday extended the lockdown until the midnight of May 31 . Ajoy Mehta, Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, in an order, said that the calibrated phase-wise relaxation/lifting of lockdown orders will be notified in due course.
Here are some of the guidelines by the Ministry of Home Affairs:
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