IT Correspondent
Imphal, May 18:
In view of the surging number of Covid-19 cases in the country, based on the advice of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) the national lock down was extended by the Union Government with freedom to state governments to delineate red, orange and green zones, on Sunday. As per the guidelines of the union ministry of home affairs, all domestic and international air travel haven been prohibited till 31 May, barring air ambulances. In an order issued on 17 May, the NDMA said, “considering the lockdown measures need to be implemented for a further period in the country to contain the spread of COVID-19, NDMA in exercise of the powers under Section 6 (2) (i) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, hereby directs the ministries/departments of Government of India, State governments and State authorities to continue the lockdown measures up to 31 May, 2020. The authority further directs the National Executive Committee (NEC) to issue modifications in the guidelines as necessary, keeping in view the need to open up economic activities while containing the spread of COVID-19.”
The MHA guidelines are: Inter-state movement of buses allowed with mutual consent of states , except in containment zones, Metro and air travel remains suspended, movement of individuals for non-essential activities remain prohibited from 7 PM to 7 AM, States can decide delineation of red, orange and green zones and sports complexes and stadia will be permitted to open only for sports activities. However, spectators will not be allowed in these complexes. Wearing of face covers is compulsory; spitting will be punishable with fine as may be prescribed in accordance with its laws, rules or regulations by the state/ UT local authority; and social distancing is to be followed by all persons in public places and in transport. Marriage related gathering shall not have more than 50 guests. For funerals/ last rites, the maximum number of persons allowed has been kept at 20. Consumption of liquor, paan, gutkha and tobacco etc., is not allowed in public places. The practice of work from home (WfH) should be followed to the extent possible and staggering of work hours should be adopted in respect of all offices and other establishments. There should be provision for thermal scanning, hand wash and sanitizers at all entry and exit points and common areas and all work places and other sensitive locations are to be sanitized regularly. Local authorities should ensure that shops and markets open with staggered timings, so as to ensure social distancing. All shops shall also have to ensure six feet distance (2 gaz ki doori) among customers and also not allow more than 5 persons at one time. With a view to ensure safety in offices and work places, employers on best effort basis should ensure that the Arogya Setu application is installed by all employees having compatible mobile phones. District authorities will advise individuals to install the Aarogya Setu application on compatible mobile phones and regularly update their health status on the app. This will facilitate timely provision of medical attention to those individuals who are at risk. The lockdown was first imposed on March 24 and has seen three extensions till now.
