(Image source from: livemint.com)

Lockdown 4.0 has been extended until 31st May by easing out on a few restrictions. Market places, inter-state and intra-state passenger vehicles are permitted by the center for re-operating. Apart from this, only 33% staff will be allowed for business to be on a safe side.

Domestic and International flights, metro rail services, dine-in at restaurants, shopping malls, educational institutions and large public gatherings would be strictly restricted irrespective of the zone.

To keep up with social distancing norms, the businesses would have to follow a few rules even though they are given the permission to operate.

Even though red, orange and green zones are designated. The States are allowed to add up to this list bearing in mind the guidelines given by the Centre.

The Ministry of Home Affairs had hinted that requests of States to boost economic activities have been accepted. As far is inter-state travel is concerned, the other States will need to give their consent and this wouldn’t be a problem as many are ready to allow this.

Besides deciding on zones, the States are permitted to decide on how they want to go about with their activities by keeping in mind the rules set by MHA. States can toughen rules but have to follow guidelines.

Inter State movement will be allowed even for non-essential services from 7a.m to 7p.m. This would be considered a night time curfew.

Passenger trains, buses, taxi, auto and cab aggregators will move across all zones, except containment areas. Taxi, auto rickshaws, cab aggregators and e-rickshaws would no longer be restricted in red and orange zones.

The national directives on COVID-19 management need to follow work from home as much as possible. The 33% limit on attendance in private workplaces in red zones is dissolved.

Employers have been asked to tell their employees to set up aarogya setu “on best effort basis” on their phones “for safety of offices and workplaces”.

Except in containment areas, all shops, markets, e-commerce selling essential and non-essential items and services can operate.

Local authorities will see to it that shops and markets maintain strict timings to keep up with social distancing norms. At a time, only 5 people are allowed to enter a shop.

All the pregnant women and kids below 10 years would have to stay home. Domestic, International and metro services will not be allowed.

E-commerce employees can deliver food in red zones too. Restaurants will be allowed to operate their kitchen for home delivery.

Only essential activities will be allowed in containment zones. Movement and activities will be allowed even in red zones.

No ban on barber and salon services, it is up to the State Government to decide. Canteens at bus depots, railway stations and airports are allowed now. Cinema halls, swimming pools, bars and gymnasiums will remain closed.

Whether it is a district, municipal corporation, municipality or sub-division, the red and orange zones will have set rules by the district or local urban bodies.

Bihar’s additional chief secretary of the home department, Amir Subhani, will go as per the home ministry’s order.

Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and West Bengal are going to announce their guidelines on Monday.

Punjab will conduct a meeting to decide on how to go about the rules of lockdown 4.0.

By Neha Makhija