LIVE TV
Odisha
Recommended Stories
Bhubaneswar: As the nation readies itself for the next edition of lockdown from Monday, State governments are looking for major relaxations to boost economic activities to put things on track amid COVID-19 pandemic. In his recent address, Prime Minister had said that lockdown 4 will be in a new shape with new rules based on suggestions from States.
If reports are anything to go by, the Centre is mulling to gradually ease the lockdown restrictions in non-containment zones across States.
There will be lots of relaxations and flexibility in lockdown 4 with complete reopening of the green zones, very limited curbs in orange zones and strict restrictions only in the containment areas of red zones, said an official to PTI. The official further said that States and Union Territories may be empowered to take decisions on easing of the curbs.
It is also expected that the government will possibly allow public transport, movement of auto-rickshaws, reopening of shopping malls and restaurants apart from commencing domestic flight service subject to certain conditions.
Earlier, PM Modi had requested State Heads to share a broad strategy on dealing with the lockdown regime in their particular States by May 15 so that a blue print on how to deal with various nuances during and after gradual easing of the lockdown is prepared. It is very likely that the Home Ministry will come up with fresh set of guidelines based on the suggestions made by CMs.
Metro, bus services, barber shops, restaurants, local markets and home appliance repairing shops are expected to be allowed with considerable relaxations in the green and orange zones under the new guidelines for the fourth phase of lockdown that may extend for another 14 days.
However, the red zones will have no relaxations in the new guidelines to be announced by Sunday but there is possibility of some specifications in containment zones as the 54-day lockdown in three phases to help fight the Covid-19 pandemic is due to end today.
(With Agency Inputs)
