MHA likely to issue new guidelines for lockdown 4.0
NEW DELHI : As lockdown 4.0 is all set to roll in with expected new relaxations, all states are clear that “they don’t want such confusion over zones.” Increasingly, more and more states want the power to decide what is best for them – to give relaxations when Centre wants to curb or impose restrictions even when Centre wants relaxation.
There may also be an exemption to run factories or industries again, but authorities will have to make necessary arrangements for the state to carry workers and workers. However, the trains will not be allowed to run at present, only special trains and labour special trains will run.
Delhi Metro might resume services in the fourth phase of the lockdown. The third phase of the lockdown is nearing its end and new guidelines would be announced for the fourth phase. So far, no public transport has been allowed to operate in the country.
According to sources Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) might resume metro services for some of the routes. The resumption of services, however, is subject to approval from both the Delhi government and the Centre.
The Services of Delhi Metro can be restored in a limited manner on certain routes following social distancing guidelines,” said the source at DMRC. Delhi Metro might also be subject to a host of measures, including mandatory wearing of masks, temperature screening as well as downloading contact tracing app Aarogya Setu that must reflect a green status.
The fourth phase of lockdown is likely to be announced on May 16 and it will be completely different and new from the previous lockdowns, sources said on Friday.The guidelines may be issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The lockdown, enforced on March 25, was originally to end on April 14. It was then extended to May 3, and then again to May 17. The centre of the lockdown 4.0 will have the wheel of the economy running again and citizens have to focus on their health and safety by following the basic rules.
The resumption of operations of domestic flights from May 18 is another aspect that is being considered. Domestic flights can begin operations on selected routes. The frequency will be kept low in the first phase, which can be increased in the coming days or months. However, many states are currently protesting about flight services.
The national capital has already demanded greater economic activities across Delhi, despite the entire union territory being in the red zone. Meanwhile, India registered a spike of over 3,900 COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, taking the total number of cases in the country above 80,000. Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh continue to account for the bulk of the numbers.
Gujarat’s Ahmedabad continues to register a mortality rate of almost 6.7%, way above the national average of less than 4%. Ahmedabad’s figures of the virus cases and deaths are even sharper than Mumbai in proportion to the population of both cities.
(With Agency Reports).
