Lockdown 4.0 could be in the offing, curbs may continue in red zones

The nationwide lockdown may be extended beyond its May 17 deadline in specific areas like red zones, while restrictions may be relaxed in areas which are not severely affected, said an NDTV report quoting government sources.

The report said night curfews and restrictions on public transport may too continue in red zones.

The decision resonates with the opinions of several chief minister who during a marathon meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (May 11) wanted economic activities to resume, but were not in favour of a complete lifting of the nationwide lockdown.

Related news: Economic activities to gather steam: Modi tells CMs

According to reports, many chief ministers wanted the lockdown to be extended in worst-hit areas and have urged the Centre to mark COVID-19 containment zones as red zones instead of bringing an entire district under the category.

States like West Bengal, Telangana, Punjab and Maharashtra on Monday urged the Prime Minister to extend the lockdown.

The prime minister has asked the chief ministers to submit reports on the next course of action.

He, however, stressed that economic activities which have re-started across the country, will undoubtedly gather pace in the coming days.

It is being speculated that the ball now is in the court of states, who may be allowed to decide on ways to ease restrictions in their respective domains.

Related news: Lockdown for good of people, not a weapon of impunity

A nationwide lockdown announced by Modi on March 24 has been extended twice with the third phase ending on May 17.