Lockdown 4.0 Guidelines Issued by the Centre to be Implemented in A&N Islands
Port Blair, May 17: The entire South Andaman District has now been classified as ‘Green Zone’ based on the parameters shared by MoHFW except the containment zone(s), which is to be notified by District Magistrate South Andaman from time to time.
The UT Administration of Andaman & Nicobar Islands has therefore decided that the guidelines issued by the Centre for lockdown 4.0 will be applicable throughout the islands.
The Union Home Secretary in his capacity as the Chairperson, NEC has issued directions for strict implementation, to all the Ministries/ Departments of the Government of India, State/ Union Territory Government and State/ Union Territory Authorities that lockdown measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 will continue for a period upto 31.05.2020, as per the guidelines which will come into effect from 18.05.2020.
The guidelines of the NDMA has stipulated that delineation of Red, Green and Orange Zones will be decided by the respective State and UT Governments, after taking into consideration the parameters shared by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), Govt. of India.
The Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, North & Middle Andaman and Nicobar District had already been classified as Green Zone by MoHFW on 15th April 2020 and shall continue as such under the new annexed guideline.
The entire South Andaman District is hereby classified as Green Zone in South Andaman District based on the parameters shared by MoHFW except the containment zone(s) as is/ may be notified by District Magistrate South Andaman from time to time.
In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 24(I) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration as the Chairperson, Union Territory Disaster Management Executive Committee, for the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands has ordered that the guidelines on the measures to be taken by Ministries/ Departments of Government of India, State/UT Governments and State / UT Authorities for containment of COVID-19 in the country upto 31.05.2020 issued by MHA today (17th May 2020) shall be applicable to the whole of A&N Islands.
Lockdown 4.0 Guidelines
Activities prohibited throughout the country
All domestic and international air travel of passengers, except for domestic medical services, domestic air ambulance and for security purposes or purposes as permitted by MHA.
Metro rail services.
Running of schools, colleges, educational and training/coaching institutions
Hotels, restaurants and other hospitality services, except for the running of canteens in bus depots, railway stations and airports; places of large public gatherings such as cinemas, shopping malls, gymnasiums entertainment parks, etc.; social, political, cultural and similar gatherings and other large congregations; and, access to religious places/places of worship for public.
However, online/ distance learning shall be permitted and encouraged; and, restaurants will be allowed to operate kitchens for home delivery of food items.
Departure from the Past: What states can do
Under the new guidelines, States and Union Territories (UTs) will now categorize Red, Green and Orange zones taking into consideration the parameters shared by the Health Ministry. So now one will have to wait for each state to decide and declare their guidelines and norms around this.
The zones can be a district, or a municipal corporation/ municipality or even smaller administrative units such as sub-divisions, etc, as decided by States and UTs.
Inside the red/ orange zones, containment and buffer zones will be identified by the district administration/ local urban bodies with technical inputs at local level and by taking into consideration the Health Ministry guidelines.
Within the containment zones, strict perimeter control shall be maintained, and no movement of persons would be allowed, except for medical emergencies and for maintaining supply of essential goods and services. Buffer zones are areas around each containment zone, where new cases are more likely to appear. In the buffer zones, more caution needs to be exercised.
Activities permitted with restrictions
Evacuation of foreign nationals from India, return of stranded Indian nationals from abroad, sign-on and sign-off of Indian seafarers, and intra-State and inter-State movement of stranded persons by bus and train, will continue to be allowed.
Inter-State movement of vehicles and buses has also been allowed with mutual consent of the concerned States/ UTs. Intra-State movement of vehicles and buses can be decided by the States and UTs.
Rules regarding shops and markets
Local authorities should ensure that shops and markets open with staggered timings, so as to ensure social distancing. All shops shall also have to ensure six feet distance (2 gaz ki doori) among customers and also not allow more than 5 persons at one time.
Night curfew
Night Curfew shall continue to remain in force on the movement of individuals, for all non-essential activities, between 7 pm and 7 am.
Protection for vulnerable persons
Vulnerable persons, i.e., persons above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women, and children below the age of 10 years, shall stay at home, except for meeting essential requirements and for health purposes.
All activities to be permitted except those which are specifically prohibited
All other activities will be permitted except those which are specifically prohibited under these guidelines. However, in containment zones, only essential activities shall be allowed, as mentioned earlier.