MHA issues new guidelines as lockdown extends till May 31

New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry on Sunday said that fresh guidelines were issued after the extension of the COVID-induced lockdown for a further period of two weeks till May 31.

The Ministry said that under the new guidelines effective from Monday, states and UTs will now categorise red, orange and green zones, taking into consideration the revised guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Sunday.It said all other activities were permitted, except those which were specifically prohibited.

Restaurants would operate kitchens for home delivery of food items. Inter-State movement of vehicles and buses with mutual consent of the concerned States/ UTs.Sports complexes and stadia to open for sports activities, but without spectators. Limited operations of Indian Railways to continue.All markets to open with staggered timings and not more than five persons at one time in a shop to ensure social distancing. 

Activities continue to be prohibited throughout the country include normal commercial passenger flights, both domestic and international, apart from Metro rail services.Running of schools, colleges, educational and training/coaching institutions remain prohibited, as also hotels, restaurants and other hospitality services, except for the running of canteens in bus depots, railway stations and airports.Places of large public gatherings such as cinemas, shopping malls, gymnasiums, entertainment parks would remain closed.

Social, political, cultural and similar gatherings and other large congregations will remain prohibited, as also access to religious places and places of worship.Night Curfew between 1900 hrs to 0700 hrs will remain in force on the movement of individuals, said the MHA guidelines.(UNI)