Covid lockdown Phase 3 – What’s allowed, what’s not

India will remain under lockdown till 17 May making this a second extension to the full lockdown announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25 March. A number of restrictions have been lifted in the third phase.

Here is what’s allowed in the third phase of the lockdown:

• Standalone shops, neighborhood shops and shops in residential areas can remain open, no distinction between essential and non-essential.
• Most commercial and private offices can open with up to 33% staff, with the rest working from home.
• All government offices shall function with senior officers of the level of deputy secretary and above at full strength. Remaining staff staff can attend at 33%.
• Out-Patient Departments (OPDs) and medical clinics shall be permitted with social distancing norms and other safety precautions. This is not allowed within containment zones, which are areas with a number of cases within the Red Zones. Red Zones are areas with big clusters of infections.
• Manufacturing units of essential goods including pharmaceuticals can operate.
• Liquor shops will be allowed in green and orange zones. Some state governments may choose to keep it closed. Minimum of six-feet of physical distancing must be maintained and there should not be more than five people at one time at a shop.
• People and vehicles are allowed only for permitted activities with a maximum of two passengers in four-wheeler vehicles.
• Travel by planes and trains remains banned. Inter-state movement by road will not be allowed.
• Schools and colleges will remain closed. So will malls, restaurants, gyms, barber shops and salons.
• No religious or political gatherings are allowed.
• Nobody is allowed to move around between 7 pm and 7 am.
• Senior citizens above the age of 65 must remain at home at all times and in all areas.