Coronavirus lockdown: What are red, orange and green zones?
With the extension of the nationwide lockdown, the Centre is likely to categorize the country into three brackets depending on the intensity of the coronavirus outbreak. According to PTI, the Centre is likely to categorize areas into red, orange and green zones—while some areas will face a stricter lockdown, others will see some relaxations. Here's what the three categories mean.
Areas with sizable COVID-19 cases to fall under red zone
Quoting an unnamed official, PTI reported that the red zones will be regions where a sizable number of cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have been reported. Areas that have been declared hotspots will also fall under this category. Reportedly, there will be no activity in these red zones. However, the lockdown will be less intense for the other two categories.
Orange zones to include areas with limited outbreak
Reportedly, areas where a few COVID-19 cases have been reported with no increase in the number of positive cases will fall under the orange zone. Areas marked under this category will be allowed to continue the minimum amount of activities such as ply limited public transport and harvest farm products, according to PTI. However, social distancing is to be maintained strictly.
Areas with no COVID-19 cases to fall under green zone
Areas that have reported no COVID-19 cases will be categorized as green zones. In these areas, some MSME (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises) industries will be allowed to function with in-house lodging facilities for employees and proper maintenance of social distancing.
Government made decision to extend lockdown yesterday
The decision to extend the nationwide lockdown was taken during a video conference between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and all Chief Ministers. There was a near-unanimous call to extend the lockdown, which will reportedly be extended by two weeks. However, an official announcement is still awaited. Notably, Odisha, Punjab, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Telangana have already extended the lockdown.
How will the extended lockdown be different?
Sources told PTI that the CMs were against large-scale movement of people between the states. The sources said that many CMs called for liquor shops to remain operational as a means to generate revenue. However, restaurants and malls may not remain open. Educational institutions will also remain shut, the sources said. Domestic air, train and metro services may be allowed with 30% passengers.
How bad is the COVID-19 outbreak in India?
According to the Health Ministry's latest update, by 8 am on Sunday, India had reported 8,356 cases of COVID-19. These included 273 deaths and 7,367 active cases along with 715 patients who were cured/discharged and one patient who migrated out of India. The Ministry said this morning that India had reported 34 new deaths and 909 new cases in the past 24 hours.
