Government Extends Nationwide Lockdown For Two More Weeks Till 31 May; MHA To Release Guidelines Shortly

The Centre on Sunday extended the nationwide coronavirus lockdown by two more weeks from 18 May while easing curbs in areas with limited virus infection to boost the economy.

The nationwide lockdown 4.0 will end on 31 May, said a National Disaster Management (NDMA) order which followed similar announcements already made by Punjab, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

Considering the fact that the lockdown measures need to be implemented for a further period in the country to contain the spread of novel coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic, the NDMA directed the ministries, departments of Indian government and states to continue the lockdown measures up to 31 May.

The authorities further directed departments concerned to issue modifications in the guidelines as necessary, keeping in view the need to open up economic activities while containing the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus, it said.

The extension came amid considerable relaxations being introduced in non-containment zones across the country. The order came as the lockdown 3.0 was to end on Sunday midnight.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will shortly issue a new set of guidelines pertaining to what is allowed and restricted in different zones. The new guidelines will be based on the suggestions made by chief ministers of all the states to the home ministry last week.

With IANS Inputs