The Ministry has taken the decision to extend the nationwide lockdown till 17th May amidst coronavirus outbreak after a “comprehensive review.” The extension has been issued on an order under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. The criteria of districts as red, orange, and green by certain criteria required by the MoHFW.

Lockdown 3.0

The Lockdown 3.0 promises to be longer than the great Epic Mahabharata but with certain revised features such as the identification of Containment Zones that are identified as Red zones which would continue to be on full lockdown and Green zones being functionally operative for the essentials and certain non-essentials trade.

Orange zones are those that aren’t identified as green or red.

Green zones are those that have reported 0 new cases in the last 21 days.

The classification of red zones is based on the total number of active cases, doubling rate of confirmed cases, the extent of testing, and feedback of surveillance.

The latest guidelines, according to the press statement, state that a limited number of activities will remain prohibited throughout the country, irrespective of the zone including travel by air, rail, metro and inter-State movement by road; running of schools, colleges, and other educational, and training or coaching institutions; hospitality services, including hotels and restaurants; places of large public gatherings, such as cinema halls, malls, gyms, political, cultural and other kinds of gatherings; and places of worship for the public.

Movement by air, rail, and road is allowed for selected purposes as permitted by the government. The order by the MHA also states that the movement of individuals to other states and districts by vehicles in the orange zones will be allowed for permitted activities only.

There has been a slight relaxation in vehicular movement, that allows 2 passengers besides a driver to travel by car.

The revised guidelines prioritize the safety of the citizens and restrict all trade activities, essentials, and non-essentials from 7 am-7 pm. The local authorities shall issue orders necessary and appropriate under Section 144 of CrPC such as curfew, for this purpose to restrict assembling of people amidst a pandemic and ensure strict compliance.

However,

“In all zones, people above the age of 65 years, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women, and children are advised to stay at home except for meeting the essential requirements and for health purposes. Out-Patient Departments will be allowed to operate in Red, Orange and Green zones following social distancing norms and other safety precautions, however, these will not be permitted in the containment zones,”

the statement said.