COVID-19 Lockdown 4.0: Here’s All You Need To Know

India has been under a nationwide lockdown since March to curb the spread of COVID-19 Pandemic. The third phase of the lockdown ended on May 17. The nation has now started the fourth phase of the nationwide lockdown from May 18. It will last till May 31st. But if the first three phases had several restrictions on individuals across the nation. However, there are quite a few relaxations on offer during the Lockdown 4.0.

The home ministry has issued guidelines for the fourth phase of the nationwide lockdown. It has given the power to states and union territories to delineate red, green, and orange zones as per the Covid-19 situation. The ministry has also allowed the resumption of app-based cab services; gave permission to the functioning of all shops, markets and commercial establishments except those in malls

Here are the things you need to know about lockdown 4.0:

• All metro rail services, schools, colleges, hotels, restaurants will continue to remain shut.

• Marketplaces sports complexes and stadiums will be permitted to remain open, but spectators will not be allowed.

• Cinema halls, shopping malls, gymnasiums, swimming pools will remain closed.

• Inter-state movement of passenger vehicles and buses with mutual consent of states and union territories involved.

• Intra-state movement of passenger vehicles and buses as decided by the states and union territories.

• The zones – red, green, orange – the states will decide the containment zones and buffer zones on the basis of   parameters of the ministry of health.

• In containment zones, only essential activities shall be allowed.

• All other activities will be permitted in green, orange, and red zones except those specifically prohibited.

• E-commerce activities for non-essential goods are now permitted even in red zones.

• Clause for private companies to make it mandatory for employees to use ‘Aarogya Setu’ app has been removed

• Large gatherings, including religious, cultural, sports, political, will not be permitted.

• All religious places/places of worship will remain closed to the public. Religious congregations are strictly
prohibited.

• People over 65 years of age, people with co-morbidity, pregnant women, and children below 10 years of age to stay
at home, except for essential and health purposes.

• Wearing face cover is mandatory in all public places.

• Spitting in public and workplaces will be punishable with fine as per the rules and regulations of local authorities, states or union territories.

• Social distancing in public places including markets, workplaces, public transport and ceremonies like marriages, etc.

• Not more than 50 guests allowed for marriage functions.

• More than 20 people shall not attend the funeral and last rites.

• Consumption of liquor, gutka, pan masala, tobacco not allowed in public places.

• Shops to ensure a minimum 6 feet distance among customers and not allow more than 5 people at a time inside the
shop.

• Provision for thermal scanning, hand wash, and sanitizers to be made at all entry and exit points and common
areas.

• Making or circulating a false alarm or warning to as to disaster or its severity or magnitude, leading to panic, shall on conviction, be punishable with imprisonment up to one year or with fine.

• Obstruction to any officer or employee of the central government or the state government or any authorized personnel is punishable.

Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, and Mizoram had already extended the lockdown till May 31. Telangana has already extended it till May 29.

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