Coronavirus: 3rd phase of lockdown begins today with 'considerable relaxations', list of what opens, what remains closed

The Indian government last week announced its resolve to stretch out the lockdown till 17th May with considerable moderations, stating that the decision was considered following a detailed analysis of the Covid-19 pandemic in the country.

While putting out the guidelines for the extended lockdown, the centre said that it will offer relaxations for districts falling under the ‘Green’ and ‘Orange’ zone brackets be that as it may some limited activities will carry on being closed across the nation.

As India sets foot in the third phase of the lockdown, here is a complete guide to what opens and what remains closed.

What are Green, Orange and Red Zones?

Green Zone: Districts with zero confirmed cases up to now or with no cases in the last 21 days.

Red Zone: Districts under this particular zone will be on the basis of several active cases, doubling rate of cases and magnitude of testing and surveillance.

Orange Zone: District that comes neither under Green nor Red zone fall under this bracket, where some restrictions will be eased.

Will all shops open?

According to the Home Ministry directives, all malls and market complexes within city limits will remain shut. But, shops selling essential items are spared. Only standalone shops, colony shops and shops in residential complexes are authorized to remain open in urban areas, with any distinction of essential and non-essential.

Are maids allowed to come to work?

They will be permitted to go to houses that are not in the containment zones. Be that as it may it will be difficult for them to commute as no public transport will be available.

Will barber shops open?

According to the MHA order, salon and barber shops are not allowed to open in Red zones. However, they will be allowed in Green and Orange zones.

Will liquor shops operate?

The center has permitted the liquor shops to open in all three zones. However, they will not be allowed to operate in containment zones.

“Liquor stores and pan shops will be allowed to function in green zones while ensuring a minimum six feet distance (2 gaz ki doori) from each other and ensuring that not more than five persons are present at one time at the shop,” the statement from the MHA said.

Are taxis and cab aggregators permitted?

Taxi and cab aggregators are not allowed in Red Zones, according to the home ministry, they will be permitted in Orange and Green zones.

Are private vehicles allowed?

Private vehicles are allowed only for permitted activities. Four wheelers are allowed to have two passengers besides the driver while two wheelers, pillion riding is not permitted.

Private Offices?

Private offices are allowed to function with only 33% of the staffs in all zones. "Most of the commercial and private establishments have been allowed in the Red Zones. These include print and electronic media, IT and IT-enabled services, data and call centres, cold storage and warehousing services, private security and facility management services, and services provided by self-employed persons, except for barbers etc., as mentioned earlier," the govt order read.

Also Read: Covid-19: Ban on domestic, international flight operations extended till 17th May