Phase 4 of National Lockdown

National Disaster Management Authority has issued an order stating, National lockdown has been extended till 31st May 2020. The order has directed the Central government, the state government and the State authorities to take required measures to continue the lockdown. The order has also directed the National Executive Committee to make necessary modifications in the guidelines to open up economic activities.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued guidelines to monitor the fourth phase of National lockdown. The restrictions has been relaxed as compared to earlier guidelines. The ministry has recognized seven categories of activities which has been prohibited in the whole country. In the containment zone, that is Red zone, only essential activities are permitted, whereas in other zones, all the activities are allowed unless specifically prohibited.

The States and Union Territories have been empowered to enforce restrictions according to the situation of their respective areas. They’re also given the power to demarcate the different zones in the State or UT, according to the parameters given by the Health Ministry.

The individuals are prohibited to move between 7am to 7pm unless there’s an essential activity. Individuals are advised to download AarogyaSetu App to regularly update themselves with their health status. Employers should ensure that all the employees have installed the app, if they have a compatible mobile phones. Wearing mask is compulsory. Spitting in public is punishable offence, social distancing to be compulsory, last rites related gatherings should only have up to 20 people, consumption of tobacco, liquor, paan etc. has been prohibited in public places.

The services which are prohibited throughout the country are-

1. Domestic and international flights except for domestic flights for medicines, ambulances, and for security purposes.
2. Hotels, restaurants and other hospitality services. However, restaurants can operate their kitchens to carry out the home delivery services.
3. Schools, colleges, coaching institutions or any other educational or training institutions.
4. Cinema halls, shopping malls, swimming pools, gyms, other such entertainment parks.
5. Metro rail services.
6. All the social, political, academic, entertainment, cultural gathering and functions.
7. Religious places, where religious congregations are strictly prohibited.

The services permitted with restrictionsin all the regions except the containment zones-

1. Inter-state movement of passenger vehicles and buses with the permission from the States and UTs involved.
2. Movement of persons, after following the procedure laid by MHA.
3. Intra- state movement of buses and other passenger vehicles.