NEWSCAN
Nation ‘reopens’ NEW DELHI: As the fourth nationwide lockdown ended on May 31, 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. This lockdown focuses on restarting economic activities. This ‘unlock I’ began from June 8. Some of the most salient announcements from the order released by the Ministry of Home Affairs are: ♦♦ Night curfew to be implemented across the nation. The timings for the curfew now shifted from 7PM to 7AM, to 9PM to 5AM. Not adhering to this would invite penalties. “Local authorities shall issue orders in the entire area of their jurisdiction, under appropriate provisions of law, such as under Section 144 of CrPC, and ensure strict compliance,” the Home Ministry said. ♦♦ Contrary to recent trends, the government has announced that there will be no restriction of movement between states. However, the final decision regarding this had been left to the state governments. ♦♦ All activities previously banned are set to resume in non-containment
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. This phase will focus on restarting economic activities 10
June 2020 | www.urbanupdate.in
zones. Hotels and restaurants are also permitted to operate. Places of worship, malls, etc. have reopened on June 8. To curtail the virus spread, authorities all over the country have ensured that all places of worship, malls, etc. are to follow a list of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on becoming operational. Entrances to have mandatory sanitisers and thermal screening, no entry without mask, posters of COVID-19 prevention to be displayed within the premises, along with mandatory social distancing are some of the norms that these institutions must follow. ♦♦ 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.
Life resumes with the virus in Delhi Buses, cars, autos are back on the road. Life appears to be normal in the city. The Central Government has eased the lockdown and the Government of Delhi has followed suit. As usual heavy traffic is back on road and congestions are being reported in areas like ITO, and DelhiNoida highway, areas which were known for heavy traffic congestions in pre-covid times. The streets are bustling with cars, two-wheelers, taxis and auto-rickshaws that were filled with office goers as private offices are now allowed to operate at full strength. The Delhi Transport Corporation has resumed inter-city transportation. Police officials are enforcing the order, as regular rounds of policemen can be observed in residential areas as well as on the roads. Popular parks like Lodhi Garden, Talkatora Garden and Nehru Park have been reopened. The parks would be opened for limited time and certain guidelines to move in the park would be observed. People can now visit the park between 7-10 am and 3.30-6.30 pm. Wearing masks in public spaces is compulsory and strict social distancing needs to be maintained at all times. The public gyms built in the parks are still not to be used. The municipalities expect people to voluntarily follow the norms as they are reportedly understaffed with enforcement personnel. “Although we are permitted to open our shop on even days, routes to our shop are almost all closed. That has been a hindrance for us. We are also a little hesitant to recall our workers due to the virus,” said Siddharth Rawat, owner of Siddhartha Fashion, a tailoring shop in Ranibagh. The interstate movement, which has been allowed by the Centre under lockdown 4.0, has also provided financial relief to people of Delhi.
