Partial relief for agri, IT sectors from April 20 under new lockdown rules

The Centre in a fresh set of guidelines for the second phase of lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak in the country, has said that while public transport and opening of public places will be barred, select activities will be permitted after May 20 in agriculture, IT, e-commerce and select industrial activities to “mitigate hardship to the public”.

The release issued by the Union Home Ministry on Wednesday (April 15) comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an extension of the earlier lockdown till May 3.

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The ministry release tells state governments that they cannot dilute the guidelines which have been issued under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, but may choose to impose stricter measures as per requirement in local areas.

Inter-state, inter-district movement of people, metro, bus services continue will be prohibited till May 3, the guidelines said.

Educational institutions, coaching centres, domestic, international air travel and train services will also remain suspended till this time, it said.

Public places like cinema halls, malls, shopping complexes, gymnasiums, sports complexes, swimming pools, bars will also be shut till May 3.

All social, political, sports, religious functions, religious places, places of worship shall be closed for public till May 3.

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The nation-wide lockdown is aimed to contain the spread of the pandemic that has killed over 370 people and infected over 11,000 in the country.

(With inputs from agencies)