Nationwide lockdown extended: COVID-19 lockdown 3.0

The Centre extended the lockdown in the country for another two weeks beyond May 3rd, profiling the region into red, orange and green categories. The decision to extend the lockdown was taken by the Ministry of Home Affairs, after a comprehensive review and in view of significant successful outcomes achieved during the earlier lockdown. However, certain relaxations have been allowed for all zones.

MHA has categorized districts as red zone (taking into account the total number of active cases, doubling the rate of confirmed cases), green zones (being districts with either zero confirmed cases till date or no confirmed case in the last 21 days) and orange zones (districts which are neither defined as red nor green).

These classifications of districts into zones will be shared by the Ministry of Health with the states and Union Territories (UTs) on a weekly basis. According to new guidelines, a limited number of activities will remain prohibited nationwide and all such places where people can assemble at large will remain shut.

Prohibitory orders [curfew] under Section 144 of CrPC, can be issued to ensure strict compliance. Out-Patient Departments (OPDs) and medical clinics shall be permitted to operate in Red, Orange and Green Zones, with social distancing norms and other safety precautions.

Source: Hindustan Times

Lockdown 3.0: Taxis and app-based cabs to ferry limited passengers in orange zone

Cabs and taxi aggregators will be permitted to work with the driver and two travellers in orange zones alone, which have a smaller number of COVID-19 cases.

In addition, pillion riding will be allowed for two-wheeler and inter-district movement of individuals and vehicles is allowed for permitted works only. MHA additionally gave new rules to manage activities during lockdown based on hotspot zones. Any movement for trivial activities will remain precluded between 7 AM to 7 PM during the lockdown.

Commute via air, railway or road will be allowed for selective purposes only. In view of the results achieved by the earlier lockdown in confining the spread of this highly infectious disease, all such places where people can assemble, such as malls, gyms, places of worship etc, shall remain shut.

Source: Hindustan Times

Doctors to stop private practice in Bengal raising concerns amongst Non-COVID patients

People suffering from chronic diseases or sudden ailments are not getting proper treatment as most doctors in Bengal have stopped private practice. Many people in remote areas of North and South Bengal are affected by this. However, CM Mamta Banerjee has urged doctors to continue private practice, but after ensuring social distancing norms.

Doctors have also suggested that dental and eye surgeons are more exposed to risk as they come very close to the patient’s face. Many private health care facilities are also facing a shortage of PPEs and face masks.

Source: Hindustan Times

‘Shramik Special Trains’ to transport stranded migrant workers, tourists, students

On the occasion of Labor Day (May 1), the Union Home Ministry expanded its order dealing with the transport of persons by buses to transport of persons by special trains. Following this, the railway ministry designated nodal officers for co-ordination with states and UTs. The railway ministry also issued detailed guidelines for the same which are to be followed inside trains and at stations as well.

MHA said that these trains will run from destination to destination at the request of both the concerned state governments adhering to standard protocols. Passengers will be screened and allowed to travel only if found with no symptom of COVID-19.

Moreover, passengers will have to use masks or face covers throughout the journey. Food and water will be provided at the originating station. It is estimated that 10 million people are stuck in different parts of the country due to lockdown.  

Source: Hindustan Times

Agra tally of COVID-19 cases may surpass Kerala’s

Agra with 46 new cases had a total of 479 COVID-19 cases as on May 1, 2020. On Thursday, April 30th, Agra recorded the highest single-day spike in COVID-19 cases. The district administration is constantly struggling to control the spread of Coronavirus.

However, a senior official in administration has told media that, there is a complete lack of coordination between the health department, district administration and the police authorities in Agra. He added that a team from KGMU, Lucknow has pointed out the carelessness of medical staff and administration in Agra.

In March, Agra had only 12 cases but now it might leave Kerala behind. Kerala had reported 497 COVID-19 cases. The death toll in Agra, with 15 reported deaths, is also much higher than in Kerala which has seen the death of only 4 persons due to COVID-19.

Source: India Today

Compiled by Rishabh Shrivastava