Lockdown 4.0: Except For Few Nationwide Restrictions, Govt Empowers States To Decide On Zoning, Permissible activities

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has come out with guidelines on measures to be taken by Ministries/Departments of Government of India, State Governments/UT Governments & State/UT authorities for containment of COVID19.

Earlier today, the Centre had extended the nationwide coronavirus lockdown by two more weeks from 18 May while easing curbs in areas with limited virus infection to boost the economy. In the guidelines, the ministry has given ample power to the states and UTs to regulate the zoning and permissible activities in their respective territories.

The nationwide lockdown 4.0 will end on 31 May, said a National Disaster Management (NDMA) order which followed similar announcements already made by Punjab, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

The guidelines states that all domestic, international air travel of passengers, except domestic air ambulance, will remain prohibited till 31 May. Similarly, all school, colleges and places of entertainment such as malls, cinema halls, restaurants (except home delivery) etc. shall remained closed. Sports complexes and stadia will be permitted, however, spectators won’t be allowed.

Additionally, all places of worship shall remain closed for public and religious gatherings would be strictly prohibited.

States and UTs can decide on classification of red, orange and green zones. Only essential activities will be allowed in red zones.

The night curfew will continue, under which the movement of individuals shall remain strictly prohibited between 7 pm and 7 am.

Furthet, states/UTs based on their assessment of the situation, may prohibit certain other activities in the various zones, or impose such restrictions as deemed necessary.