Masks Made Mandatory Across India: The Guidelines For The Extended Lockdown

The Union home ministry on Wednesday issued fresh guidelines to enforce the extended national lockdown to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus .

All kinds of public transport and opening of public places will remain prohibited till May 3.

However, grocery stores, fruits, vegetables shops/ carts, milk booths, poultry, meat and fish shop will remain open during lockdown.

The government has made wearing of mask compulsory in public places across India. 

Spitting in public has been made a punishable offence and a strict ban enforced on sale of liquor, gutka, tobacco.

These are the new lockdown guidelines:

The following will remain suspended till May 3

Educational institutions, coaching centres, domestic, international air travel, train services will also remain suspended.

While inter-state, inter-district movement of people, metro, bus services will remain prohibited.

Public places like cinema halls, malls, shopping complexes, gymnasiums, sports complexes, swimming pools, bars will be shut.

All social, political, sports, religious functions, religious places, places of worship shall be closed for public.

Services that will be allowed from April 20

Services provided by self-employed electrician, IT repairs, plumbers, motor mechanics, carpenters will be allowed from April 20.

Activities permitted include agricultural, horticultural activities, farmers and farm workers in field, procurement of agri products, ‘mandis’.

Highway ‘dhaba’, truck repairing shops, call centres for govt activities to open from April 20

Shops of agriculture machinery, its spare parts, its supply chain, repairs, ’Custom Hiring Centres, related to farm machinery to remain open from April 20.

Manufacturing units of drugs, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, construction of medical infrastructure including manufacture of ambulances to remain open. 

However, the exemptions given from April 20 will not be applicable in COVID-19 hotspots/ containment zones and the State/ UT governments shall not dilute guidelines in any manner but may impose stricter measures as per local requirements in such areas.

Industrial activity

Industries operating in rural areas to be permitted to run from April 20 with strict social distancing norms.

Manufacturing, industrial units with access control in SEZs, Export Oriented Units, industrial estates, industrial townships to be allowed to function from April 20.

The home ministry said permitted industries must make arrangements for stay of workers within their premises or adjacent buildings by observing social distancing norms.

The home ministry said defence, paramilitary, health and family welfare, disaster management, NIC, FCI, NCC, Nehru Yuva Kendra and Customs offices will function without any restriction.

Other ministries and departments are to function with “100 per cent attendance” with deputy secretary and above rank officers. “Remaining officers and staff to attend up to 33 per cent as per requirement,” it said.