Chennai/New Delhi: Fresh guidelines were issued by the government today for enforcing the second phase of the coronavirus lockdown, with the Union Home Ministry barring all kinds of public transport and prohibiting opening of public places till 3 May.
Spitting in public has been made a punishable offence and a strict ban enforced on sale of liquor, gutka, tobacco etc. under the new Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines that come a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the extension of the nationwide lockdown till 3 May.
While inter-State, inter-district movement of people, Metro, bus services will be prohibited till 3 May, the government allowed function of industrial units located in rural areas from 20 April by observing strict social distancing norms
Educational institutions, coaching centres, domestic, international air travel, train services will also remain suspended till this time, it said
Public places like cinema halls, malls, shopping complexes, gymnasiums, sports complexes, swimming pools, bars will also be shut till 3 May. All social, political, sports, religious functions, religious places, places of worship shall be closed for public till 3 May, it said.
Highway ‘dhaba’, truck repairing shops, call centres for govt activities are to remain open from 20 April. Shops of agriculture machinery, its spare parts, its supply chain, repairs, and centres related to farm machinery are also to remain open from 20 April.
From 20 April, activities permitted include agricultural, horticultural activities, farmers and farm workers in field, procurement of agri products, ‘Mandis’ etc.
Manufacturing units of drugs, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, construction of medical infrastructure including manufacture of ambulances are also to remain open.
The Central government has made wearing of mask compulsory in public places across the country. Grocery stores, fruits, vegetables shops/ carts, milk booths, poultry, meat and fish shop are to remain open during lockdown.
Services provided by self-employed electricians, IT repairs, plumbers, motor mechanics, carpenters are to be allowed from 20 April.
However, the exemptions given from 20 April will not be applicable in Covid-19 hotspots/ containment zones and the State/ UT governments shall not dilute guidelines in any manner but may impose stricter measures as per local requirements.
Industries operating in rural areas are to be permitted to run from 20 April with strict social distancing norms
Manufacturing, industrial units with access control in SEZs, Export Oriented Units, industrial estates, industrial townships to be allowed to function from 20 April.
The Home Ministry said permitted industries must make arrangements for stay of workers within their premises or adjacent buildings by observing social distancing norms.
The Ministry said defence, paramilitary, health and family welfare, disaster management, NIC, FCI, NCC, Nehru Yuva Kendra and Customs offices will function without any restriction.
Other Ministries and departments are to function with ‘100 per cent attendance’ with Deputy Secretary and above rank officers.”Remaining officers and staff to attend up to 33 per cent as per requirement,” it said.
The guidelines said in order to mitigate hardship to the public, select additional activities will be allowed, which will come into effect from 20 April.
“However, these additional activities will be operationalised by States and UTs and district administrators based on strict compliance to the existing guidelines on lockdown measures,” it said.
The nation-wide lockdown is aimed to contain the spread of the pandemic that has killed over 370 people and infected over 11,000 in the country.
OPEN
*Farming activities
* IT firms
* Govt offices
* Banks
* Construction sector
* Courier
* Hotels
* SEZs
CLOSED
* Malls
* Theatres
* Public transport
* Schools
* Colleges
* Liquor shops
* Coaching centres
* Gyms/Swimming pools
(Inputs from PTI)