The extension of lockdown for a further period of two weeks might be frustrating to many people, for here is good news for alcoholics and pan chewers.
Within an hour of announcing the lockdown extension, the Union ministery of home affairs issued a set of guidelines indicating various relaxations in orange and green zones, while strictly implementing the lockdown in the red zone areas.
According to the latest guidelines, sale of liquor, paan, gutka, tobacco etc. will be allowed in the orange and green zones.
But the shops should ensure minimum of six feet distance between two persons and not more than five persons are allowed to be present at one time at the shop.
However, consumption of liquor, paan, gutka, tobacco etc. in public places is not allowed. It means, there will be no permit room in the liquor shops and boozers should take the liquor home and consume.
At no public place can there be gathering of five or more persons, whether it is at the shop or in the office.
The Centre has also relaxed restrictions for performance of marriages and other social gatherings. However, the maximum number of guests allowed shall not be more than 50 and they should maintain social distancing.
Even funeral and last rites-related gatherings shall be allowed, subject to the maximum number of 20 persons who should ensure social distancing.
At work places, wearing of face cover is compulsory in all work places and adequate stock of such face covers shall be made available.
All persons in charge of work places shall ensure social distancing as per the guidelines, both within the work places and in company transport.
Persons above 65 years of age. persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years shall stay at home, except for meeting essential requirements and for health purposes.
The states have been permitted to run buses in the green and orange zones, apart from allowing personal vehicles. However, only two persons can travel in a car, while only one person can drive a two-wheeler.