India lockdown 4.0 guidelines | What’s allowed and what’s not?

On May 17, the center extended the national lockdown, imposed for the first time on March 24, for the fourth time till May 31, giving considerable flexibility to the States in deciding red, green, and orange zones of COVID-19 intensity.

Immediately after the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) announced Lockdown 4.0 to check the spread of the novel coronavirus, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued new guidelines to allow the further resumption of economic activities.

Here’s a list of what’s allowed and what’s not during Lockdown 4.0 between May 18 and May 31.

• Buses, auto-rickshaws, and cabs can operate. Inter-State movement of vehicles to be decided by States mutually
• Metro, air, and rail services are still suspended, except for those allowed with special permits.
• All shops can be opened except for those in shopping malls and containment zones
• Barbershops and salons can open.
• The delivery of essential and non-essential items through online shopping platforms.
• Restaurants can function, but only for take-away
• Religious political gatherings prohibited
• Weddings  cannot have more than 50 guests and no more than 20 funerals

• Cap on 33% in offices done away with, work from home to be encouraged. Social distancing and staggered work hours to be followed in offices
• Wearing of masks compulsory in public places and workplace
• Night curfew from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. for non-essential services to remain in force
• Vulnerable groups such as those above the age of 65 years, pregnant women and children under 10 to remain at home

• States can decide the delineation of zones in red, green, orange, and containment areas.
• Schools, colleges and shopping centers will remain closed.