Lipakshi Seedhar -Staff Reporter:
With the number of COVID-19 cases reaching 1,01,261 with a total of 3,164 deaths and 39,233 people getting cured, lockdown 4.0 was necessary. But this time the centre gave
some relaxations. Also, it gave more power to the state governments to make rules according to the situation in their states. So, here’s a list of rules-imposed countrywide by the centre:
1. The country is now divided into 5 zones instead of 3 namely
a. Green Zone: The districts with no coronavirus positive cases would fall
under the green zone.
b. Orange Zone: The areas with limited number of cases within the past and
with no surge in positive cases recently would be included under the
orange zone
c. Red Zone: The districts with substantial numbers of positive cases would
fall under the red zone. Also, areas that show a high rate of infection,
which double in less than four days – will also come under this category.
d. Containment Zone: The containment zone is the zone where the number
of people affected are increasing at a high rate.
e. Buffer Zone: The buffer zone is an area where new cases are more likely
to appear.
2. All shops, except those in malls and containment zones can open. Barber shops
and salons can open.
3. Delivery of essential and non- essential items is allowed through online
shopping platforms. Restaurants can function, but only for take- away.
4. Religious and political gatherings are prohibited. Weddings cannot have more
than 50 guests and funerals not more than 20.
5. Cap on 33% strength in offices done away with. But work from home to be
encouraged. Social distancing and staggered work hours to be followed in
offices. Wearing of masks is compulsory in public places and at work place.
6. Night curfew from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. for non- essential services to remain in force.
Vulnerable groups such as those above 65 years, pregnant women and children
below 10 to remain at home.
7. Schools, colleges and malls to remain shut.
Lockdown 4.0 came in with good news of 5 states namely Arunachal Pradesh, Dadra
and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Goa, Lakshadweep, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland
and Sikkim became completely corona free.
With almost everything opening, now we have to be extra careful. So here are some
precautions you can follow to avoid getting infected:
1. Stay indoors as much as you can.
2. Wash your hands after every 30 minutes.
3. Wear a mask whenever going outside.
4. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water isn’t available.
5. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly once bought from the market.
6. Avoid eating outside food.
7. While going for work, maintain a distance of 1.5 meters.
8. Take your own food and water to work.
9. Cover your face when sneezing or coughing.
10. Avoid touching your face.
11. consult a doctor if you feel a slight discomfort.
12. The companies should promote work from home wherever possible.
13. Eat healthy diet.
One should also remember that even though the government has given relaxations,
the virus is still very much present and we are still at risk because the vaccine has still
not been found. So, take care of yourself and follow the rules to end the pandemic.
