The state of India has been under restrictions since March 25th. The nation has observed various phases Lockdown 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, and then unlock which is scheduled to be a 5 phased issue. Yesterday the Central government announced guidelines for unlock 2.0. A few essential questions emerge, which need to be answered.
Why Unlock? Are the timings to unlock poor?
India has too high a test positivity rate, about 10%. India started easing restrictions at a time when about 10000 cases we’re emerging every day, so the question arises: why unlock then?
The answer to this question can be decoded by the mere fact that GDP (Gross Domestic Product) prediction of India slipped about a straight 9 percent.
- Many state governments we’re running at the extreme shortage of money.
- Services were facing serious high pressure due to restrictions.
- Government-funded services were made to come at a halt.
- The seriousness of citizens to follow the norms was dipping.
- The psychological reason was that after spending about 2 months in lockdown, naming the next set of restrictions as Unlock gave people a ray of hope.
What will be open?
Next question is that what will be open in Unlock 2.0
In areas other than Containment Zones, all activities will be allowed, except the following:
- Schools, colleges and coaching institutions will remain closed till end of July. Online learning will be encouraged. Training institutions of the Central and State Governments will be allowed to operate from 15 July, 2020, for which Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be issued by the Department of Personnel & Training.
- International air travel, except for passengers as permitted by Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Social/ political/ sports/ entertainment/academic/ cultural/ religious functions and other large public gatherings.
- Metro Trains
- Cinema halls, entertainment parks, theatres, gymnasium, swimming pools, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places.
Date of further changes will be announced as and when required.
Night curfew
Movement of individuals shall remain restricted in between 10.00 pm to 5.00 am, except for essential activities. Local authorities must issue guidelines, in the entire area under their jurisdiction with appropriate provisions of the law such as under section 144 , and ensure strict compliance.
States Government to decide on activities outside Containment Zones
States and UTs, by their observation of the situation, can restrict certain activities outside Containment zones, or impose restrictions as felt necessary. There must be no restriction on inter-State and intra-State movements. No separate permit will be required for such movements.
Lockdown limited to Containment Zones
- Lockdown shall continue to remain in effect in the Containment Zones till 31 July, 2020.
- In the containment zones, perimeter control must be maintained and only essential services allowed.
- Activities in the Containment Zones will be monitored strictly by the authorities, and the guidelines shall be strictly implemented.
- MOHFW will monitor the proper situation handling of Containment Zones and the implementation of the containment norms.
Vulnerable persons, persons above age of 65, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and children below the age group of 10 years, are advised to stay at home, except when deemed necessary.
by Shubham Yadav
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Nicely presented.