NEW DELHI: The nationwide lockdown in India was extended by two more weeks on Friday as the country recorded 2,333 new cases, its highest single day tally yet. As per health ministry update on Saturday morning, the total number of coronavirus infections in India stood at 37,336. The country has so far reported 1,218 deaths.
Here are the latest updates on coronavirus–
Barber shops, sale of non-essentials by e-commerce platforms allowed in green, orange zones: MHA
The ministry of home affairs on Saturday clarified that barber shops and salons will be allowed to open in green and orange zones during the third phase of the lockdown beginning May 4, besides sale of non-essential items by e-commerce platforms.
There are no restrictions on sale of non-essential items by e-commerce platforms in green and orange zones, a home ministry spokesperson said, adding barber shops and salons are also allowed to open in these areas.
In red zones, the e-commerce companies are allowed to sell only essential commodities. Sale of liquor is allowed in green, orange and red zones, which is not under containment.
PM meets FM for 2nd economic stimulus package
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a series of meetings with key ministers, including home minister Amit Shah and finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and officials of economic ministries to firm up the second stimulus package for sectors impacted by lockdown to curb spread of coronavirus, sources said.
The Prime Minister held discussions with Shah and Sitharaman and would have follow up meetings with ministers of key economic ministries such as Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, sources said.
Bihar braces for massive influx of migrants
Following six hour long meeting, chief minister Nitish Kumar asked officials to pull up their socks as the migrants, students and pilgrims, said to be in millions, seem poised to return home in droves on board special trains run by the Centre. The CM directed officials to ensure that the quarantine centres “have excellent food, shelter, sanitation and medical facilities and the isolation centres must be in place at block and panchayat levels.” Bihar has reported 466 COVID-19 cases till Friday.
122 of the 480 CRPF personnel test positive
122 of the 480 CRPF personnel of 31st battalion based at Mayur Vihar have tested positive for Covid-19 so far. Entire battalion has been put under quarantine and all Covid-19 personnel have been lodged at Mandoli quarantine centre. Out of the 368 test results 33% tested positive and 112 results are awaited.
Nationwide lockdown extended by two weeks, with some relaxations
The second phase of the nationwide lockdown was scheduled to end on May 3 but now the coronavirus-induced lockdown has been extended by two more weeks till May 17. However, the Centre has allowed some relaxations this time. The districts in green zones will witness maximum easing of curbs. There are some relaxations in orange zones too. Red zones will mostly continue to stay in strict lockdown. The Centre warned states that easing restrictions does not mean diluting social distancing measures which should be religiously implemented.
Is your district in green, orange or red zone?
According to the Centre’s notification, 130 districts in India are red zones, 284 are orange zones and 319 are green zones. A majority of the red zones are in Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. Full list of districts.
Activities prohibited throughout India
Travel by air, rail, metro rapid transit and inter-state movement by road remain prohibited throughout the country. So are the functioning of educational institutions and coaching centres; hospitality services, including hotels and restaurants; cinema halls, malls, gymnasiums, sports complexes; and social, religious, political, cultural and other gatherings. But movement by air, rail and road has been allowed for select purposes. There is no prohibition on the sale of liquor and tobacco products.
Activities permitted in green zones
All activities are permitted except the limited number of activities which are prohibited throughout the country, irrespective of the zone. However buses can operate with upto 50 per cent seating capacity and bus depots can operate with upto 50 per cent capacity.
Activities permitted in red zones
In red zones, private four-wheelers with a maximum of two passengers in the back are permitted but for two-wheelers, no pillion riders are allowed. E-commerce firms are not allowed to start delivering non-essential items. Cycle rickshaws, auto rickshaws, taxis and cab aggregators, intra-district and inter-district plying of buses and barber shops, spas and saloons prohibited. SEZs and industrial estates are allowed to function. Private offices can operate with upto 33 per cent strength. Standalone shops in neighbourhood can open. Shops for non-essential items are not allowed to open in market complexes.
