The Indian government extended the nationwide lockdown for the 4th time yesterday. The lockdown was scheduled to end on May 17 but it was further extended for two weeks till 31st May 2020. The announcement of the extension was done on Sunday evening with the Monday morning seeing a heavy traffic jam at the Delhi-Noida flyover. Police deployed at the borders were checking the passes of the vehicles before allowing them to go through the checkpoint.
The Delhi police in its advisory asked the commuters to avoid crossing the border from Kalindi Kundi barrage flyover and the DND without an e-pass. Uttar Pradesh is allowing passage of vehicles having valid passes issued by the Noida DM.
In the 4th phase of nationwide lockdown due to Coronavirus, shops, markets and offices would be allowed to conduct businesses. Shopping malls, cinema theatres and bars would remain closed as of now. States could implement other restrictive steps if needed to curtail the movement of the citizens.
Relaxations in lockdown guidelines would not be implemented in the containment areas in red or orange zones. Essential activities and services will only be allowed by the administration in the severely affected areas. With the easing of the relaxation, the government gave the states the power to colour-code the zones. The final decision to resume any activities in any area lies with the state government.
Delhi is one of the severely affected regions with its entire area in the red zone remarked that the Central government guidelines are in accordance with the Delhi state government proposal sent in regards to 4th phase of COVID-19.
India is one of the worst affected countries by Coronavirus pandemic with over 96,169 confirmed cases and 3,000 deaths until now. The Indian government is running special trains to allow the migrants to leave for their home state. The Indian government introduced nationwide lockdown on March 25 and extended it four times so far to combat the COVID-19.
Image Source - ANI