National Lockdown : MHA Issues Revised Guidelines; Lists Out Activities Permitted After April 20 [Read Guidelines]

Following the Prime Minister's announcement of extension of country wide lockdown till May 3, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued revised guidelines on Thursday regarding the measures to be adopted during this period to control the transmission of COVID-19 pandemic.

Notably, the Ministry has also enumerated some activities, which could be permitted by the respective States and Union Territories after April 20, based on a review of the ground level situation.

The following activities will continue to be prohibited till May 3:

1. All domestic and international air travel of passengers.
2. All passenger movement by trains, except for security purposes.
3. Buses for public transport.
4. Metro rail services.
5. Inter-district and inter-state movement of individuals except for medical reasons or for activities permitted under the guidelines.
6. All education, training, coaching institutions etc shall remain closed.
7. All industrial and commercial activities other than those specifically permitted under the guidelines.
8. Hospitality services other than those specifically permitted under the guidelines.
9. Taxis (including auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws) and services of cab aggregators.
10. All cinema halls, malls, shopping complexes, gymnasiums, sports complexes, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars and auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places.
11. All social/political/sports/entertainment/academic/cultural/religious functions/other gatherings.
12. All religious places/places of worship shall remain closed. Religious congregations are strictly prohibited.
13. In case of funerals, congregation of more than twenty persons will not be permitted.

Hotpsots and Containment Zones

The States/UTs have been directed to demarcate 'hotspots' and 'containment zones' as per guidelines issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

In those places, activities permitted under the guidelines will not be allowed.

Activities permitted after April 20

In order to mitigate the hardship of public, select additional activities have been permitted from April 20, on condition of strict compliance of existing guidelines.

These activities are listed in paragraphs 5 to 20 of the guidelines, and includes :

• All health services (including AYUSH)
• All agricultural and related activities, including fisheries (shrimp products as well), horticulture, animal husbandry, plantations (tea, coffee and rubber with 50% workers), mandis operated by APMCs etc
• Operation of homes for children, disabled, senior citizens, mentally challenged, observation homes, anganwadis etc.
• Disbursement of social security pensions, Provident Fund services by EPFO.
• MNREGA Works (priority to be given for irrigation and water conservation works)
• Public utilities such as Oil and gas sector, postal services, power sector, water, sanitation, telecommunication and internet,  etc.
• Movement, loading/unloading of cargo. All goods traffic will be allowed to ply.
• Shops for trucks, and dhabas in highways with stipulated minimum distances.
• Movement of all trucks and other goods/carrier vehicles with two drivers and one helper allowed. Empty truck/vehicle will be allowed to return after delivery of goods or for pick up.
• Operation of Land ports for essential goods and supplies.
• Financial Sector, banks, ATMs, digital payment systems, SEBI, IRDA and insurance related activities, 
• Supply of essential goods.
• Shops and carts dealing with food and groceries (for daily use), hygiene items, fruits and vegetables, dairy and milk booths, poultry, milk and fish, animal feed and fodder. 
• Commercial and private establishments as listed, including e-commerce, courier services, private security services, IT and IT Enabled services with 50% strength, data and call centres for government activities, print and electronic media including broadcasting, DTH and cable services.
• Services by self-employed persons such as electrician, IT reparis, plumbers, motor mechanics and carpenters.
• Industrial Establishments as listed.
• Construction activities as listed.
• Offices of government, govt autonomous bodies, local bodies

Movement of persons in private vehicles can be allowed for emergency services, including medical and veterinary care, and for procuring essential commodities. One person besides the private vehicle driver can be allowed in the backseat in case of four-wheeler. In case of two-wheeler, only the driver is to be permitted.

Additional activities permitted from April 20 should be implemented in phased manner, after making arrangements for strict implementation of guidelines.

States and Union Territories have been directed not to dilute the instructions of the MHA.

The MHA has also listed additional directives for public places and office spaces.Wearing of face masks has been made compulsory. Social distancing norms are to be strictly followed. Standard Operating Procedure has been prescribed for Offices and Factories.

Click here to download revised guidelines

Read Revised Guidelines