Lockdwon 2.0 : Center Releases New Guidelines, Mandatory to Wear Masks, Know What will Open & What will Remain Closed

Last updated Apr 15, 2020

New Delhi : Amidst the havoc of Coronavirus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended the lockdown period in the country by 19 days. Now the lockdown will continue till May 3 in the country. Meanwhile, the government has released new guidelines today. According to this guideline, all industries that make food and medicines will be open. Along with this, instructions have been given to open all the factories in rural India.

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According to the new Guidelines, the works of MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) have also been allowed. According to the new guidelines, it will now be compulsory to wear a face cover (mask) on leaving the house. Also spitting in a public place would be punishable.

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issues National Directives for #COVID19 management. Wearing of face cover is compulsory in all public places, workplaces. Spitting in public places shall be punishable with fine. pic.twitter.com/14Y7zq9vqp
— ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2020

Know what will open and what will remain closed –
The MHA guideline states that cinema halls, malls, shopping complexes, gymnasiums, sports complexes, swimming pools, bars will remain closed till May 3. Besides, educational institutions, coaching centers, domestic, international air travel, train services will be suspended till May 3. Apart from this, all social, political, sports, religious ceremonies, religious places, prayer places will not open to the public during the lockdown period.

The good thing is that the limited guidelines for agricultural operations have been given in the lockdown Part Two guidelines. All industries that make food and medicine will be open. Along with this, instructions have been given to open all the factories in rural India. According to the new Guidelines, the works of the MNREGA have also been permitted, under which it has been said to give priority to irrigation and water conservation.

Inter-state buses can be operated if required. However, railway passenger services and domestic and international flights will remain closed. Apart from this, ATM branches will be open 24 hours to ensure that people can withdraw money when it’s needed.