Markets and Shops can be opened: Lockdown 4.0 guidelines

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On May 17, the Centre extended the nationwide lockdown till May 31. The third phase of lockdown, imposed on May 17 morphs into lockdown 4.0. The new guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) have considerably been relaxed. States now hold the liberty to demarcate red, green, and orange zones based on parameters by the ministry of health.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the fourth set of guidelines will be different from the guidelines of the third phase of lockdown. The guidelines were formed after taking suggestions from all the Chief Ministers of India. The Government’s main motive is to overcome a twin challenge- to uplift economic activities and fighting Covid-19 alongside.

Here’s a list of what’s allowed:

  • Markets and standalone shops can be opened. Barbershops and Salons can be opened too. The timings should be staggered, all must maintain six feet of distance (do gaaz doori) and serving only 5 customers at a time.
  • Auto rickshaws, cabs, and buses may operate. Inter-state movement is to be consented by the states mutually.
  • Only essential activities are allowed in containment zones.
  • Restaurants allowed to operate but only for take-away.
  • E-commerce activities of non-essential goods even in red zones are allowed.
  • Sports can be held in stadia but spectators are not allowed.
  • A 33% staffing restriction for business is done away with. States must draw up social distancing norms.
  • No longer mandatory for employees in a private company to use ‘Aarogya Setu’ app.
  • Weddings only under 50 guests and funerals may not have more than 20 people.

Here’s a list of what’s NOT allowed:

  • Educational institutions, malls, cinema halls, swimming pools, and gym to remain shut.
  • Curfew for movement of people is 7 pm starting from 7 am in the country, essential activities being an exception.
  • Vulnerable people such as people with age above 65, children of age below 10 and pregnant women to stay at home.
  • Domestic and International flights and metro services still barred.
  • Religious, social, and political gatherings are prohibited to the public.

A point must be noted that all the above activities are barred in containment zones. Only essential activities are allowed in containment zones.

Wearing face cover is now mandatory in all public places. Spitting in workplaces or public is punishable by a fine as per rules and regulations of local authorities, states or union territories. Consumption of liquor, gutka, tobacco, and pan masala barred in public places. Provisions for thermal scan, hand wash, and sanitizers to be made at all entry, exit, and common points. Making or circulating a false alarm or warning that may lead to panic among the public is a punishable offence with imprisonment up to 1 year or with fine. Obstruction to any officer or employee of the central government, the state government, or any authorised personnel is punishable.

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