New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry issued revised guidelines as part of the easing of restrictions for the third phase of lock down from May 4^th. E- Commerce firms can start delivering non- essential items in orange and green zones.

The revised guidelines have a relatively small negative list though officials explain that this is subject to change, keeping in view how the Covid- 19 infection progresses. The Metro cities Delhi, Mumbai, Bangaluru, Chennai and Ahmedabad are under red zones. The Union Government prohibited a limited number of activities throughout the country, irrespective of zones. The Union Government shut down the trains and flights, Metro and Inter- State road transport, running of education institutions and coaching centres.

Hospitality services, hotels and restaurants, places of large public gatherings like cinema halls, mall, gyms, sport complexes as well as social, religious, political, cultural and other gatherings. The Union Government directives on Covid- 19 management have been relaxed to allow liquor shops to open with a minimum 6 feet distance between people and no more than five people present at one time. The consumption of liquor, pan, gutka or tobacco in public places ban will be continued.

As per the guidelines, wearing a face mask will be compulsory and use of Aarogya Setu App is mandatory for both public and private sector employees. Service providers including domestic helps and drivers, can travel to households for work between 7 am to 7 pm though not to and from containment zones. Barbar shops, spas and saloons will remained closed in red zones, though they can operate in green and orange zones. All industrial activities may resume in rural areas. Only in-situ construction will be permitted in urban areas falling in red zones (Outside containment zones) but all construction activities in rural areas. Markets and market places will remain closed in urban areas of red zones though standalone/ neighbour hood, shops and shop and residential complexes can function.

In rural areas, only malls will remain closed. No Inter- District or Intra- District plying of buses is permitted, however Inter- District movement of individuals and vehicles will be allowed for only permitted activities. All activities from those prohibited across all zones are allowed in green zones. Buses can ply at 50 % capacity and bus depots will operate at 50 % capacity.