MHA DO Lr. Dt. 17.5.2020 to Chief Secretaries and Administrators reg. strict compliance of new guidelines issued on 17.5.2020

As you are aware that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued an Order today to extend the lockdown period up to 31st May 2020. New guidelines on lockdown measures have been issued in supersession of earlier lockdown Orders, except the Standing Operating Procedures (SoPs) issued on the movement of persons. These guidelines have been issued after taking into consideration the views of the State Governments following the Video Conference held by the Prime Minister with the Chief Ministers on  11th May 2020.

2. Under the new guidelines effective from 18th May 2020, States and UTs will now categorize Red, Orange, and Green zones taking into consideration the revised guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on 17th May 2020. Inside the red/orange zones, containment and buffer zones will be identified by the district administration/local urban bodies with technical inputs at the local level and by taking into consideration the Health Ministry guidelines. Within the containment zones, strict perimeter control shall be maintained, and no movement of persons would be allowed across the zones, except for medical emergencies and for maintaining the supply of essential goods and services. A copy of the MoHFW letter is attached for information.

3. A limited number of activities will continue to remain prohibited throughout the country. In order to facilitate the movement of persons, various modes of transport have already been opened up as per SoPs issued by MHA. All other activities will be permitted except those which are specifically prohibited under these guidelines. However, in containment zones, only essential activities shall be allowed, as mentioned earlier.

4. As emphasized in my earlier D.O. letters, I would like to reiterate again that States /Union Territories cannot dilute restrictions imposed vide the aforesaid guidelines issued by MHA. States/UTs, based on their assessment of the situation, may prohibit certain other activities in various zones, or impose such restrictions as deemed necessary.

5. I would urge you to ensure compliance with the new guidelines and direct all concerned authorities for their strict implementation. Further guidelines issued by MHA and consequent Orders issued by the respective State Governments/UT Administrations should be widely disseminated to the public and to the field functionaries for the convenience of people.

Related Topic:
Press Release on extension of Lockdown and issue of new guidelines dt 01.05.2020

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