With the tally of Coronavirus cases on the rise in the country, the Centre extended the nationwide lockdown till May 31. The Union Home Ministry issued a series of fresh guidelines while easing curbs in areas with limited virus infection with the resumption of economic activities to boost the economy.

While the guidelines permit inter-state movement of vehicles as per the mutual decisions to be taken among the states and union territories, services such as commercial airlines, local trains, and metro rail services will remain suspended. Meanwhile, buses, auto-rickshaw, and cab services have been granted permission to operate in green zones.

The guidelines also state that the 7 pm to 7 am night curfew will be imposed in all zones. Places of worship are not allowed to open and large gatherings are still prohibited. People above the age of 65 years, pregnant women, and children under 10 years of age are not allowed to step outside their homes in all three zones are they are more prone to the virus.

MHA issues order to further extend #lockdownindia till 31.05.2020, to fight #COVID19
New guidelines have permitted considerable relaxations in #Lockdown4 restrictions. States to decide various zones, taking into consideration parameters shared by @MoHFW_INDIA#IndiaFightsCOVID19 pic.twitter.com/AeMHvowaaH

— Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) May 17, 2020

What's open in Maharashtra and Mumbai

Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray in his address to the citizens of Maharashtra on Monday evening unveiled a green vision and invited industries that promise to not pollute the environment to set up businesses here without taking permissions. He said that his government has given permission for opening 50,000 industries, in a bid to revive the economy. He also said that green zones will be open 'slowly' for the public.

Thackeray emphasised that lifting the lockdown completely in red zones at this point was not advisable in view of increasing cases.

Mumbai police commissioner Parambir Singh took to his official Twitter handle to remind the citizens that the city was still a red zone and people travelling in private vehicles without proper permission and authority will be reprimanded.

Gentle Reminder Mumbaikars

Mumbai being a RED ZONE,is yet to see any relaxations from earlier rules, under Lockdown 4.0

Vehicles travelling without valid permission or for non-emergency, DAY or NIGHT,will be impounded & driver to face strict action. It’s for your safety first

— CP Mumbai Police (@CPMumbaiPolice) May 18, 2020

In Mumbai, public transport restrictions will continue with taxis, autos, and cab-aggregators staying off the road. Even Metro services will not resume during lockdown 4.0. BEST will ply buses for transporting essential staff such as doctors, nurses, BMC workers.

Here’s a containment zone-wise bifurcation of what is open and what remains prohibited till May 31:

Containment Zones

As the number of cases in such places falling this zone is high and contributes to almost 80 percent of a state or city’s tally of cases, the central government has directed shops providing essential items such as groceries and medicines to stay open for staggered timings. Shops will have to ensure customers maintain six-feet distance among themselves.

Red zones

Red or orange zones are zones where the number of cases reported is low. Medical clinics and OPDs can be operated in these zones. Auto-rickshaws and cabs would ply with a limited number of commuters. Malls, schools, colleges, and shopping centres will remain closed. Restaurants can function only for takeaways. Government offices can function with five per cent attendance. Banks will also operate these areas. Home delivery of liquor is permitted. 

Green Zones

Places with no cases at all are categorized as green zones. Public and private transport can function with a limited number of commuters in this zone. Government offices in these areas can function with 100 per cent attendance. Buses, cabs, and auto rickshaws can also operate in these areas. Apart from essential services, standalone liquor shops also can be opened for the public for staggered timing. Delivery of essential and non-essential items ordered from online shopping platforms has been permitted. Moreover 

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