The fourth phase of nationwide lockdown begins today. Union Home Ministry had yesterday extended the nationwide lockdown for fourteen more days, till the 31st of this month. The lockdown since 24th March has helped considerably in containing the spread of COVID-19 in the country. The fourth phase of lockdown will, however, witness substantial relaxations than its previous versions. Centre has allowed States and Union Territories to demarcate Red, Orange, and Green Zones. In the current phase of lockdown, States and Union Territories will be able to delineate districts, sub-divisions, or even municipalities into the three different zones based on parameters set by Union Health ministry. This measure would help the States in extending the relaxations in larger parts.

The containment zones will be located within the Red and Orange zones with a small part of the area also demarcated as a buffer zone. With directions of extra caution for the buffer zones, the Government has directed that no activities, except for medical and essential supplies to be allowed in the containment zones. Home Ministry has put out a list of activities that will remain prohibited throughout the country till the next 14 days.

All domestic and international air travel of passengers except for medical or security services shall remain prohibited even in the fourth phase of lockdown. This, however, does not include the flight operations permitted by the Home Ministry for select purposes. Except for Shramik Special, few other Special Trains, Parcel and freight Trains, the railways as well will not resume it's competing passenger operation. Metro Trains too will have to wait in the fourth phase of lockdown. Schools, Colleges, educational, training, and coaching institutions will also remain shut nationwide. People will have to wait at least for the next 14 more days before going out to a restaurant, hotel, or for any such hospitality service as they continue to remain closed. However, for the ease of passengers, eateries, and canteens have been permitted to operate at railway stations, airports, and bus depots. Cinema halls, Gymnasiums, Shopping malls, entertainment parks, or any such high gathering places will remain prohibited nationwide. Public gatherings of any kind, including political, social, and cultural congregations will not be allowed anywhere as a measure of caution. Access to places of worship and religious gatherings as well remain strictly prohibited. Night curfew, barring for essential work, will continue to remain in force from 7 pm to 7 am till 31st May 2020.

Other than the nationwide prohibited activities, State and Union Territories will decide on all other activities to be allowed in the three demarcated zones. They will also decide on resuming the Intra-State bus and other vehicular services. As far as the Inter-state movement of buses and vehicles is concerned, the consent of both the concerned states will be necessary. Apart from these fresh relaxations which will allow the majority of the shops to be opened, the government has also allowed the opening of sports complexes and stadiums. Spectators would, however, be not allowed at these places. Online and distance learning is permitted and steps will be taken to encourage it further. Home delivery of food items from restaurants will also continue as before. The government has urged the employers to ensure at large that Aarogya Setu App is installed by all employees on their mobile phones. The government has also advised people above 65 years of age or with co-morbidities, pregnant women, and children below the age of 10 years to stay at home till the lockdown is in place.