April 20, 2020: Here is the first phase of easing the COVID-19 lockdown in India. The relaxation to a few business activities announced by PM Narendra Modi while extending the lockdown till May 3 will come into effect from today. The government has confirmed loosening lockdown to selective business activities in non-containment areas from today.
Prime Minister Modi in his address to the nations had cleared that these relaxations will be conditional, and state governments can change the rules as they will have to ensure to halt the spread of the COVID-19. State governments will have to follow strict measurements to control coronavirus hotspots or containment zones in their states. Relaxation to providing selection activities will be executed in the areas of the country where COVID-19 is almost covered, or which are less affected.
The list of services allowed to restart after April 20 includes healthcare, agriculture. Fisheries, horticulture, and pet care. The Union Home Ministry released a statement in which it will not permit E-commerce companies, hence they will be restricted to deliver essential items till May 3. Here’s the list of services and activities allowed by the government from today.
1) Private Vehicles: In a report released by the Home Ministry after PM Modi’s address held that private vehicles will be allowed to carry emergency patients and only two people would be allowed in a four-wheeler – driver + patient. While only one person is allowed on a two-wheeler.
2) Cab Services will be restricted till MAy 3 however, mechanics will be available for maintenance.
3) Corporate Offices: The government came up with an idea to reopen the economy and allowed the companies to work with 50 percent of their staff. Mr. Modi cleared that face masks and sanitizers will be compulsory and not more than 4 people will be allowed in the lift and bigger vehicles would be allowed to pick and drop the employees. Only IT companies can call 50% of their workforce and the rest of other organizations can call for 30% staff.
4) E-commerce: Amazon Flipkart and other E-commerce companies will only be allowed to deliver essential services as Kirana and other grocery items.
5) Agricultural activities include packaging and marketing of the food with strict parameters of social distancing and sanitization.
6) Services: Electricians, plumbers, motor mechanics, carpentry, courier services can start operation from today. Cable Internet operators can start their operation too.
7) Transportation: Essential transportation of Goods and other things will be starting from today. Cargo flights, trains, and trucks will be started.
8) Essential services: Ambulances are allowed to cross over the states and petrol pumps, hospitals, nursing homes, and other essential services will operate normally.
These relations are not allowed in the COVID-19 containment area. However, the state government can change the regulations if the situation worse or hotspots increase in any area.
