Chandigarh: The Covid-19 tally in India crossed the 40,000 mark on Sunday even as the country prepared for an extended lockdown, for the second time, with considerable relaxations in green and orange zones from Monday.
According to latest figures provided by the Health Ministry, the total number of coronavirus cases climbed to 40,263 with as many as 1,306 fatalities. The ministry said 2487 cases and 73 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours. The country has been divided in three zones -- Red, Orange and Green - based on coronavirus risk-profiling. Movement of individuals for non-essential activities in all zones, barring containment areas, is allowed but strictly between 7 am and 7 pm. The extended lockdown is slated to last till May 17.
LOCKDOWN 3rd PHASE: The third phase of the coronavirus-enforced lockdown to break the chain of transmission will kick in from Monday after the government extended the nationwide lockdown for two more weeks. According to latest figures provided by the Health Ministry, the total number of coronavirus cases climbed to 40,263 with as many as 1,306 fatalities. The ministry said 2487 cases and 73 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours.
“After a comprehensive review and in view of the lockdown measures having led to significant gains in the Covid-19 situation, the government has decided to further extend the lockdown,” the MHA order read.
The MHA further said a limited number of activities will remain prohibited across the country, irrespective of the zones, including travel by air, rail, metro, and inter-state movement by road; running of schools, colleges, and other educational and training/coaching institutions.
Here’s what all will not be allowed under the new guidelines issued today irrespective of the zone
* Travel by air, rail, metro and inter-state movement by road
* Running of schools, colleges and other educational, training, coaching institutions
* Hospitality services including hotels and restaurants
* Places of large public gatherings such as cinema halls, malls, gyms, sports complexes Social, political, cultural and other kinds of gatherings
* Religious places, places of worship for publicHowever, movement of persons by air, rail and road is allowed for select purposes and for those permitted by the MHA.
The MHA order has also prescribed measures for the “well being and safety of persons.”
The order states that movement of individuals in all zones for all non-essential activities, shall remain strictly prohibited between 7 pm and 7 am. Local authorities shall issue orders imposing Section 144 and ensure strict compliance, the order states.
In all zones, those above the age of 65, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years, shall stay at home except for meeting essential requirements and for health purporses.
OPDs and medical clinics shall be permitted to operate in Red, Orange and Green Zones with social distancing norms and other preventive measures. However, these will not be permitted in containment zones.