Lockdown 2.0: Spitting in public places punishable with fine, face masks compulsory

In the new guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, spitting in public places has been made a punishable offence and wearing of masks has been made mandatory. Restrictions have been imposed on the sale of liquor, gutka and tobacco and selected activities can resume operations after April 20.

New Delhi: As per the government's revised consolidated guidelines during the extended lockdown period, spitting has been made a punishable offence and wearing of face masks have been made compulsory in public places.

Fresh guidelines were issued by the government on Wednesday for enforcing the second phase of the coronavirus lockdown, with the Union home ministry barring all kinds of public transport and prohibiting the opening of public places till May 3.

Under the new Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines related to COVID-19, a strict ban has been enforced on sale of liquor, gutka, tobacco etc. till May 3. While inter-state, inter-district movement of people, metro, bus services will be prohibited, the government allowed function of industrial units located in rural areas from April 20 by observing strict social distancing norms.

Educational institutions, coaching centres, domestic, international air travel, train services will also remain suspended till this time, it said. Public places like cinema halls, malls, shopping complexes, gymnasiums, sports complexes, swimming pools, bars will also be shut till May 3.

"Workplaces shall have a gap of one hour between shifts and will stagger the lunch break of staff to ensure social distancing. Persons above 65 years of age and persons with comorbidities and parents of children below the age of five may be encouraged to work from home."

The order specifically mentions the use of Aarogya Setu app. "Use of Arogya Setu will be encouraged for all employees, both private and public." The order stresses that all organisations shall sanitize their workplaces between shifts and 'large meetings will be prohibited'.

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All social, political, sports, religious functions, religious places, places of worship shall be closed for public till May 3. Highway 'dhaba', truck repair shops, call centres for govt activities will remain open from April 20. Shops of agriculture machinery, its spare parts, its supply chain, repairs, 'CustomHiring Centres, related to farm machinery can resume operations.

From April 20, activities permitted include agricultural, horticultural activities, farmers and farmworkers in the field, procurement of agri products,'Mandis'. Manufacturing units of drugs, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, construction of medical infrastructure including the manufacture of ambulances will remain open.

"If any new area is included in the category of containment zone, the activities allowed in that area till the time of its categorization as a containment zone will be suspended except for those activities as are specifically permitted under the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW)."

Grocery stores, fruits, vegetables shops/ carts, milk booths, poultry, meat and fish shop to remain open during the lockdown. Services provided by self-employed electrician, IT repairs, plumbers, motor mechanics, carpenters to allowed from April 20. However, the exemptions given from April 20 will not be applicable in COVID-19 hotspots/ containment zones and the State/ UT governments shall not dilute guidelines in any manner but may impose stricter measures as per local requirements.

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Industries operating in rural areas to be permitted to run from April 20 with strict social distancing norms. Manufacturing, industrial units with access control in SEZs, Export Oriented Units, industrial estates, industrial townships to be allowed to function from April 20.

The home ministry said permitted industries must make arrangements for the stay of workers within their premises or adjacent buildings by observing social distancing norms. It said defence, paramilitary, health and family welfare, disaster management, NIC, FCI, NCC, Nehru Yuva Kendra and Customs offices will function without any restriction.

Other ministries and departments are to function with '100 per cent attendance' with deputy secretary and above rank officers. "Remaining officers and staff to attend up to 33 per cent as per requirement," it said.

To mitigate the hardship of public, select additional activities will be allowed, which will come into effect from April 20.

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"However, these additional activities will be operationalised by states and UTs and district administrators based on strict compliance to the existing guidelines on lockdown measures," it said. The nation-wide lockdown is aimed to contain the spread of the pandemic that has killed over 370 people and infected over 11,000 in the country.

(With inputs from PTI and IANS)