The third phase of lockdown begins on 4th May 2020 after central government announces, sales on liquor in the country with “certain conditions” in all zones, barring containment area, in standalone shops.
Besides liquor, the Centre government also allowed tobacco shops to resume operations in all districts as the new rules of Lockdown 3.0 stand applicable w.e.f. May 4. Order to reopen liquor shops is applicable to only standalone shops not in malls or shopping complexes. The government permission under the condition that shopkeepers have to ensure that customers maintain a two-meter distance.
What do you need to know before you step out?
1. Only standalone liquor and pan shops are allowed to operate in Lockdown 3.0. Those in containment zones or hotspots will not open on May 4. So, if the nearest liquor shop falls in a containment zone, it will not open.
2. What about the timings? The liquor and pan standalone shops will remain in all three zones till 7pm. In the guidelines for Lockdown 3.0, the Centre had allowed all non-essential shops to remain open only till 7 pm.
3. Also, remember that the Centre has allowed movement of individuals for non-essential activities in all zones, barring containment areas, strictly between 7 am and 7 pm. You will not be allowed to step out to buy non-essentials after 7pm.
4. What about social distancing? Only five persons will be allowed in a shop at a time while social distancing norms are followed. Masks or face covers continue to necessary. The Home Ministry has asked shopkeepers to ensure that customers maintain a 2-metre distance.
Maharashtra
Mr. Uddhav Thackeray CM of Maharashtra government also announce that shops selling non-essential commodities, including liquor, will be allowed to open from Monday in the non-containment zones across the state. The sale of liquor will be allowed only in standalone shops. Social distancing norms have to be followed.
IAS Mr. Bhushan Gagrani said that alcohol sales can begin in Mumbai and Pune, but shops in these regions will be opened with conditions and have to follow a set of guidelines issued. Alcohol sales will not be permitted in containment zones or red zones.
The central government extended the nationwide lockdown two weeks beyond May 4, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread unabated with the consideration of relaxation in districts where there are no active cases.
Home Affairs said in a press release new guidelines will also be issued to regulate activities during the period based on the risk profiling of the districts and there will be no movement between states allowed during this time. Industrial establishments in urban areas, including special economic zones, will be allowed to operate, as well as manufacturing units for essential goods, including drugs, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices, and IT hardware production.
Private offices and government departments can operate with 33 percent capacity. Districts have been identified as red, orange, or green zones based on the status of the Covid-19 outbreak there.
Green zones are with no confirmed cases in the last 21 days. Red zones are the ones with the most active cases and a faster doubling rate. Orange zones fall under neither of the two categories.
However, irrespective of the zones, there are some activities that will continue to remain prohibited across the country. This includes:
• Travel by air, rail, metro and inter-state movement by road
• Running of schools, colleges, and other educational and training/coaching institutions
• Hospitality services, including hotels and restaurants
• Places of large public gatherings, such as cinema halls, malls, gymnasiums, sports complexes etc Social, political, cultural and other kinds of gatherings
• Religious places/places of worship
The movement of individuals, too, will remain strictly prohibited between 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. All movement of goods will be permitted. No states or union territories shall prohibit the movement of cargo, the home ministry.
