The proposed extended lockdown period is likely to divide India into red, orange and green zones, based on the number of positive COVID-19 cases during this period. Scroll below for more details. By Tanvi Jain
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The proposed extended lockdown period is likely to divide India into red, orange and green zones, depending upon the number of coronavirus cases during the said period. Moreover, even the safe zones might also be allowed to run only limited services.
As per official reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently said in a press conference, that while schools and colleges will remain shut, small scale industries like liquor shops may open.
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The division of the three zones is likely to go as follows — the red zone will comprise of districts with the maximum number of cases (over 15), or the ones that are declared hotspots, and will be barred from any kind of activities. Districts with up to 15 cases, showing no signs of an increase in number, will fall under the orange zone and will be allowed minimum activities like limited public transport and harvesting of farm products. Lastly, the green zone will have districts with zero cases of COVID-19, and MSMEs with in-house lodging facilities, proper hygiene and social distancing norms, will be allowed to operate.
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Furthermore, limited transport will be allowed with 30 per cent or fewer passengers in selected locations. In fact, during the meeting with the Prime Minister, the chief ministers of various states also reportedly, pressed on the need to keep the movement limited.
The Commerce and Industry Ministry has also written a letter to the Home Ministry suggesting more activities to be allowed during the extended lockdown period. It has reportedly, requested for partial manufacturing to be allowed in sectors such as auto, textile, defence, electronics, etc. but with reasonable safeguards.
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While Uttar Pradesh reopened over 5,000 industrial units for manufacturing of medical and essential supplies during the lockdown, the Haryana state government retained at least 50 per cent of the labour. The Centre has already relaxed most of the activities in the agricultural sector. Kerala has given permission to 10 notified rubber plantation workers to set up rain guards. Assam government has also allowed liquor shops, bottling plants and breweries to stay open for limited hours. Meghalaya has allowed wine shops to operate.
Related: Which Indian States Are Expected To Extend The Lockdown & What Does It Mean For Travellers?
