LOCKDOWN EXTENDED: zones, limitations and more

The Central Government on Friday decided to extend the country-wide lockdown for two more weeks from May 4 to May 17.

This decision comes amidst the rising number of cases in the nation. Even after the initiation of the lockdown, the numbers have been climbing high at an astounding rate. Earlier today, the government had also divided all the nations into different districts – RED, ORANGE, and GREEN zones. These zones depend on the condition of the coronavirus spread. There have been several concessions made to the Green and Orange zones. However, there are certain services that will continue to remain shut nationwide across all the zones. 

There are 733 districts in India. They will be divided into Red Zones, Orange Zones, and Green Zones. The zones will have different sets of restrictions placed. This zone classification is to be revised every week. 

ZONE-WISE RESTRICTIONS:

The Red, Orange, or Green Zone classification of a district will determine what activities will be permitted to be carried out here. Most restrictions are placed on containment zones inside the red and orange zones. There are many activities barred no matter what zone.

Here’s a brief rundown of the limitations according to the zones. States are allowed to increase the restrictions if they deem fit:

Prohibitions placed nationwide:

1. Air travel;
2. Train services, except those allowed for special services;
3. Metro services;
4. Inter-state movement by road
5. Schools, colleges, and other educational and training institutions;
6. Hotels and restaurants;
7. Large public gatherings such as those n cinema halls, malls, gyms, etc;
8. Movement for non-essential activities between 7 pm-7 am
9. All religious places. All religious congregations to remain prohibited.
10. No sports, political, entertainment, academic, cultural, and religious functions/gatherings allowed.
11. All persons above the age of 65, in all zones, shall remain inside their homes except for essential and health needs. This also extends to pregnant women and children below 10 years of age.

Containment areas: Severe restrictions placed on the movement of people across the zones. Movement of people will be allowed for essential goods and services only. Almost all everything shall remain shut whatsoever.

Red Zones: Four wheelers with drivers are allowed with two passengers only. Two-wheelers without a pillion rider will be allowed. Offices can be opened with 1/3rd of the staff present. Essential services will be allowed to use E-commerce services. Standalone shops will be allowed to function with proper social distancing guidelines.

Orange Zones: Four wheelers with three people will be allowed. That means one driver plus two passengers. Buses will not be allowed.

Green Zones: Nationwide prohibitions will be implemented here as well. Other than that, all activities are allowed. Buses are allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity. 

More updates about the lockdown and the zones as and when they come.