NEW DELHI: In the most significant easing of the national lock down yet, the Centre gave states considerable leeway in reopening market places in addition to stand alone shops, allowed intra-state and inter-state passenger vehicle and bus travel and did away with the 33% staffing restriction for businesses to provide a fillip to the economy.
The activities that remain specifically prohibited are domestic and international passenger flights, metro rail services, hotels and dine-in at restaurants, shopping malls, educational institutions and large public gatherings including religious congregations irrespective of zones. Apart from these activities, there are few bars on other services and businesses even as states are expected to continue to enforce social distancing norms.
Even while designating zones, states have been allowed to draw up lists of red,orange and green zones, though in keeping with detailed guidelines provided by the Centre. The Saturday order of the ministry of home affairs made it evident that several requests