Centre extends lockdown by 2 weeks starting May 4

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has extended the nationwide lockdown for a period of 2 weeks starting from May 4. The current lockdown which is in progress ends on May 3. The Ministry has issued orders under the Disaster Management Act of 2005 regarding the same.

The MHA has also issued fresh guidelines to regulate different activities during the lockdown period based on the risk profiling of each district as red, orange and green zones. Those districts categorized as red and orange zones have been given considerable relaxations. However, inter-state transport services, metro, railways, air travel, all educational institutions, all places of worship and congregations will continue to remain prohibited across the country.

In the red zones (hotspots) lying outside the containment zones, movement of individuals and vehicles will be permitted with restrictions. Special Economic Zones, manufacturers of essential goods and drugs, etc will be permitted to function. All industrial activities in rural areas of red zones will be permitted. E-Commerce will continue to be functional only for essential goods. All stand-alone shops (provision stores, kiranas), will be permitted to remain open without any distinction of essential and non-essential services.

Read the full guidelines here: https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/MHA%20Order%20Dt.%201.5.2020%20to%20extend%20Lockdown%20period%20for%202%20weeks%20w.e.f.%204.5.2020%20with%20new%20guidelines.pdf