Unlockdown 1: Centre eases stringent lockdown

NEW DELHI: As the fourth instalment of the nationwide lockdown end today, the Central Government announced its extension till June 30, although easing curbs to a greater extent. This extension has been termed as ‘Unlock 1’ by the Narendra Modi government. The government has assured that this lockdown will focus on restarting economic activities. This ‘unlock I’ will begin from June 8. Some of the most salient announcements from the order released any the Ministry of Home Affairs are:

• Night curfew to be implemented across the nation. The timings for the curfew now shifted from 7AM to 7PM to 9PM to 5 AM.
• Contrary to recent trends, the government has announced that there will be no restriction of movement between states.
• All activities previously banned are set to resume in non-containment zones. Hotels and restaurants are also permitted to operate.
• People can, in essence, resume pre-lockdown activities to a certain extent, provided that they follow social distancing norms and maintain personal hygiene. Covering your face in public is compulsory.
• Only essentials are allowed in containment zones, at least till June 30.

The government has not yet reserved its decision to resume certain activities and businesses like reopening of schools, colleges, entertainment parks, bars, cinemas, international flights and more. A decision on this would be taken in July after consultation with state and UT authorities and the various stakeholders. The government has still emphasised that not more than five persons at shops, not more than 50 wedding guests and not more than 20 people at funerals will be allowed and urged that people work from home as much as possible.
The cases across the nations have spiked since last week.  23 May onwards, the daily cases reported has been over 6,500. Total corona positive cases in India stands at 173,736, while 82,369 have recovered as of today.