India extends lockdown till May 31st |
Indian government on Sunday announced the extension of nationwide lockdown till the 31st of May, but listed considerable relaxations in non containment zones that are set to further open up the economy. While all markets, offices, industries and businesses are allowed to open, inter-state and intra-state movement of “passenger vehicles and buses” are permitted with the consent of the states involved. The decision to allow inter-state travel will greatly ease public transportation, providing relief to migrant labourers on the roads. Significantly, in its guidelines for Phase IV of the lockdown, the Ministry of Home Affairs said the “delineation of red, green and orange zones will be decided by the state and UT governments after taking into consideration the parameters shared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.” Under the guidelines, the restrictions on both domestic and international air travel, and Metro rail services will continue, and schools, colleges and other educational institutes will remain closed. All services, including those of barber shops, salons and spas, are likely to open. Cycle-rickshaws, auto- rickshaws and taxis will also be allowed. The restrictions on the number of passengers in a car or on a bike in red and orange zones have also been lifted. Even for buses, while social distancing has been advised, the seating capacity cap of 50% has been removed.
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