Lockdown 4.0 announced until 31 May

On Sunday, the Ministry of Home Affairs extended the coronavirus lockdown in the country until 31 May, while offering a few liberties to states & UTs. At the same time, State/UT Governments can not dilute the lockdown guidelines issued under the Disaster Management Act 2005, in any manner.

Lockdown 4.0 allows the following flexibilities, except in containment zones: (1) Inter-state movement of passenger vehicles and buses; (2) Intra-state movement of passenger vehicles and buses; (3) Restaurants shall be permitted to operate kitchens for delivery of food items; (4) Sports complexes and stadia will be permitted to open; however, spectators will not be allowed; (5) District authorities to demarcate ‘containment’ and ‘buffer’ areas within Red and Orange zones as per Union Health Ministry guidelines; (6) All shops, except those in containment zones and malls, will be allowed to open from Monday with staggered timings during Lockdown 4.0. All shops shall have to ensure six feet distance among customers.

The things which are still prohibited till May 31 include: (1) All domestic, international air travel of passengers, except domestic air ambulance, remains prohibited; (2) Metro rail services, schools, colleges to remain closed; (3) All cinema halls, shopping malls, gymnasiums, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars and auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places; (4) All social, political, religious functions, and places of worship; (5) Movement of people will remain strictly prohibited across country from 7 pm to 7 am, except for essential activities; and (6) People above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women, children aged below 10 shall stay at home.