New Delhi: The Union Government may likely relax the lock down after May 3 with some restrictions with least curbs in green zones or districts with low prevalence or no Covid- 19 cases. But the Government will continue tough stipulations will remain in red zones and hot spots, which currently include major cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday interacted with nine CMs via video conference on ongoing lock down conditions and after May 3^rd, if lock down relaxes preparations in the states.  He sought the opinions of the CMs on the lock down and the necessities in the states financially and other necessities. Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Odisha and Bihar CMs felt it would be premature to lift the lock down with fresh cases occurring and hotspots being notified every day.

The CMs indicated the focus would need to remain on saving lives, and the objective of restarting the economy might not be fully made by a staggered reopening of businesses. Modi, on the spot seemed to set out priority for the states highlighting the importance of  enforcing guidelines strictly in hotspots and said efforts should be directed towards converting red zones into orange and the reafter to green zones. In his remarks, later released by the Government, Modi said that the lock down had yielded positive and there was need to think of the way ahead.

He underlined that the lock down has yielding positive results as the country has managed to save thousands of lives in the past one and half months, Government said in a press note. Modi warned the danger of the virus was far from over. According to experts the impact of Covid- 19 would be visible in the coming months and reiterated. He also said that social distancing and that wearing of masks will be a part of life now. We have to give importance to the economy as well as continue the fight against the Covid- 19, emphasising the use of technology and to utilize time embrace reforms that touch the lives of common people.

Though the post May 3 road map may become clear in coming days when the Home Ministry is expected to revise its lock down guidelines, the Centre could revisit its ban on market places in urban areas and delivery of non-essentials by e-Commerce firms.