Lockdown 4.0: Know what all are open

India on Monday (May 18) entered the fourth phase of lockdown with the Centre easing restrictions that were imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19. The easing of restrictions are aimed at revival of economic activities, which will be decided by the respective states according to the ground situation.

The Union Home Ministry issued a revised set of guidelines on Sunday for the fourth phase of the lockdown, which has been extended till May 31, according to which the delineation of the red, green, and orange zones will be decided by the state and union territory governments, after taking into consideration the parameters set by the Union health ministry.

Related news: Lockdown 4.0: Delhi allows taxis, cabs to operate with two passengers

Despite a bouquet of relaxations, prohibitions will continue for air travel, except for medical and security purposes and metro rail services. The night curfew will also continue. Schools, colleges and coaching institutions will also remain shut during this period. Restrictions will continue for all gatherings. Shopping malls, cinema halls, gyms, bars, assembly halls and similar places will remain closed.

Here’s how the lockdown will be different during lockdown 4.0:

• Sports complexes and stadia have been allowed to open. However, spectators will not be allowed.
• E-commerce companies can deliver both essential and non-essential items to all places outside containment zones.
• Inter-state movement of passenger vehicles and buses will be allowed with mutual consent of states involved.
• All shops, except those in containment zones and shopping malls, have been allowed to open with staggered timings. All shops shall have to ensure a six-feet distance among customers and will not allow more than five people at one time.
• States can permit all other activities outside the containment zones that are other than the limited number of activities prohibited nationally.
• Online teaching and learning is permitted and will be encouraged.
• All states and UTs will allow inter-state and intra-state movement of nurses, medical professionals, paramedical staff, sanitation personnel, and ambulances without any restriction.
• All states and UTs will allow inter-state movement of goods/cargo, including empty trucks.

In containment zones, only essential services will be allowed. Further, states and UTs may prohibit certain other activities in various zones or impose restrictions, based on their assessments.

Meanwhile, the Centre has said that no state or union territory will dilute the guidelines issued for the nationwide lockdown.