New Delhi, May 1, The Union Government on Friday extended the nationwide lockdown for two more weeks beyond May 4 as India’s Covid trajectory remained steep with 1,755 fresh cases surfacing in the past 24 hours even on 38th day of the restrictions.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, on the basis of risk profiling, has divided the districts of the country into Red (hotspot), Green and Orange zones, an official statement said.
The new guidelines have given considerable relaxation in Orange and Green Zones.
In Red Zones, there will be intensified surveillance protocols, contact tracing and 100 percent coverage of Aarogya Setu app. Containment zones will see house-to-house surveillance.
Movement of individuals and vehicles with a maximum of 2 persons (besides the driver) in four-wheeler vehicles, and with no pillion rider in the case of two-wheelers has been permitted in Red Zones while all standalone (single) shops, neighborhood (colony) shops and shops in residential complexes are allowed to open. Private offices in Red Zones can operate with up to 33 percent strength.
In Orange Zones, taxis and cab aggregators are also permitted with 1 driver and 1 passenger only. Inter-district movement of individuals and vehicles is also allowed but for permitted activities only.
While in Green Zones, all activities are permitted except opening of schools, colleges, restaurants, large gatherings and malls. Buses can also operate with up to 50 percent seating capacity.
In all zones, people above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women, and children below the age of 10 years are not allowed to leave their home.
Airways, railways, metro, schools, colleges, and other educational institutions, hotels and restaurants; cinema halls, malls, gymnasiums,social, political, cultural and other kinds of gatherings continues to remain suspended in all zones.
As per the classification, so far, India has 130 red hotspots, 284 orange and 319 green zones.
However, all four major metropolitan cities — Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai — have been classified as red zones.
Meanwhile, India recorded 1755 Coronavirus cases and single-day highest 77 fatalities in the past 24 hours, pushing the overall tally beyond 35,000-mark.
As per latest update from Health Ministry, the total infections stood at 35,365 with 1,152 fatalities.
As many as 692 patients recovered in past 24 hours, the data shows, taking the total recovery to 9,065.
Govt extends lockdown for 2 weeks beyond May 4 as Covid tally crosses 35,000-mark
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