NE NEWS SERVICE
NEW DELHI, MAY 17
The Centre has extended the nationwide lockdown for two more weeks until May 31 with significant relaxations. In the order, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued guidelines for the fourth phase of the lockdown.
According to the guidelines, barbershops, salons, shopping complexes and markets can now open starting Monday. However, domestic flights, schools/colleges, and hotels will continue to remain shut throughout the country. The government has also allowed inter-state movement of passenger vehicles and buses with mutual consent of states. Barring containment zones, there are no zone-wise restrictions from the Centre and the states can decide delineation of red, green, and orange zones.
Earlier today, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu joined Punjab and Mizoram in extending the lockdown till May 31. Telangana has already extended it till May 29. Karnataka became the third Southern state to extend the lockdown. However, unlike other states, Karnataka has extended it only for two more days till May 19. The government officials clarified that all orders in force from May 4 will continue.
The nationwide lockdown was first imposed for 21 days starting March 25 and then extended on April 15 and later on May 4 to stem the spread of novel coronavirus (Covid-19). As India entered the 54th day of the lockdown, the total number of coronavirus cases in India surpassed China’s tally with 90,927 infections, and death toll soared to 2,872 on Sunday.
