Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the lockdown in the country will be extended beyond its original end date until May 3. This, the PM said, was essential to making sure there’s no further spreading of coronavirus.
As a consequence, the Central Government has now announced revised guidelines for states and union territories across the country. While some relaxation will seemingly be provided April 20 onwards, COVID-19 hotspots (including Mumbai) will probably not be on this list.
So what will be non-operational during Lockdown 2.0?
Cinema halls, malls, shopping buildings, gyms, sports complexes, swimming pools, bars will be closed until May 3.
All social, political, sports, religious functions, religious places, places of worship will also remain closed until the 3rd of May.
Inter-state, inter-district movement of people, metro, bus services, educational institutions, coaching centres, domestic, international air travel, and train services will remain suspended until May 3.
A ban on the sale of liquor, gutka, tobacco etc to avoid gathering of crowds in shops across the country. Spitting in public places will be considered an offence and will be strictly enforced.
What can be operational?
Grocery shops, milk, poultry, fish, meat, and so on will continue to be available throughout the lockdown.
Highway 'dhabas', truck repair shops, call centres for government activities, shops of agriculture machinery, its spare parts, its supply chain, repairs, custom hiring centres related to farm machinery will remain open from April 20
Agriculture, horticultural activities, farmers and farmworkers in the field, procurement of Agro products as well as mandis will be allowed from April 20. Additionally, manufacturers of drugs, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, construction of medical infrastructure including the production of ambulances will be permitted on the same day.
Industries in rural areas can resume operations from April 20 assuming the employees/workers practice social distancing.
What about Maharashtra?
Maharashtra Government mentioned yesterday that it will restart the economy gradually by allowing industries to function, while the availability of essential commodities will also be streamlined. This is particularly the case in districts where there are minimal positive cases of COVID-19, while areas of Mumbai are considered a COVID-19 hotspot.
In Mumbai, local train services will remain closed until the 3rd of May as per the State Government.
It’s worth noting that the Central Home Ministry has merely passed guidelines, and it’s up to the states to make a decision based on the situation in their individual districts. But it’s very likely that Chief Ministers across the country will adhere to the guidelines issued by the Central Home Ministry.
The guidelines have also mentioned that restrictions may be eased starting April 20 in order to reduce the hardships on the citizens. However, gathering of crowds or leaving your homes will not be encouraged until May 3.
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