Nation Divided into 3 Zones for Lockdown

The Coronavirus outbreak hit the world like a storm, and not only China, where it was all, started from, but more than 118 countries are facing its effects. Many countries are under strict lockdown, while some others levy certain restrictions on the activities to save their economy. While every other country is taking some preemptive measures to control the situation, India has broadly divided the states and districts into three zones. The lockdown restrictions, relaxation, and extension will differ in these three zones.

On Friday, as per the government of India, announced another of two weeks is levied on certain states, including Maharashtra, Haryana, and Punjab. According to National News Punjabi, the ministry of Home Affairs has divided the states and districts into three zones- Red, Green, and Orange. In the post extended lockdown period, the country has been divided into tri-color zones depending on the number of infected cases in an area. The classification is multifactorial and takes into consideration doubling rates, the extent of testing, incidence of cases, and surveillance feedback on the following restriction, which has come into force from 3 May. 

What are Red, Green, and Orange Zones?

Districts with either zero or no confirmed case till now or in the past 21 days are classified as green zones. In this zone, all the activities are permitted but with social distancing. Also, some activities are restricted throughout the country and are not permitted in green zones. However, bus depots and buses can operate with a limited capacity of about 50%. 

The red zones are the zones with several cases, doubling rates, surveillance feedback, and the extent of testing. On the other hand, orange zones are those districts and states which do not come under any of the two zones. In orange zones, taxi services are permitted but with only one passenger at the back. Punjab also comes in the orange zone, and according to National News Punjabi, two-wheeler pillion riding is allowed, and four-wheelers will run with only 2 in it. Depending on the severity and seriousness of red zones, let us further discuss in detail about it:

Red Zone Districts/States

The classification of states and districts as red zones is taken into account, taking numerous factors into consideration which includes, the extent of testing, surveillance feedback from the area, number of confirmed cases, and doubling rate of confirmed cases. The places in the red zones are at a higher risk of transmission of the virus among the people. Almost every metropolitan city has come under the red zones, including Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Hyderabad. 

• What is allowed in Red Zone Areas?

Movements of vehicles and vehicles for permitted activities are allowed only with a maximum of 2 people, one on driver’s and another on the back seat in four-wheelers, and in two-wheelers, only one person is allowed. All neighborhood, single and residential shops are permitted to remain open in the urban area, whether selling essential or nonessential commodities. In respect of essential goods, commerce activities are allowed. Private offices can reopen their offices with a strength of 33% as per requirement, and the remaining employees can continue work from home. Industrial activities, including food-processing units, brick-kilns, and MNREGA works in rural areas, are permitted. The distinction according to the nature of goods is not lived in all shops except the opening of shopping malls is not allowed. 

• What is not allowed?

In addition to the restrictions that are levied throughout the country, here are certain activities that are prohibited in red zone areas.  

• Plying of auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws.
• Running of cab and taxis.
• Inter and intra-district plying of buses.
• Spa, Salons, and Barbershops will remain closed.
• Shops selling non-essential goods are not allowed.
• Besides, Malls and market complexes will remain closed.

Containment Zones

Amid Coronavirus, the most sensitive area of the country, is known as a containment zone, which is mainly falling in between red and orange zones. There is a significant risk of the spread of infection in these areas. A few days back, National News Punjabi stated that Chandigarh was in the containment zone, but due to a drop in cases and extension of test drives now, it is in the orange zone.