Unlock 4: Centre Restricts States From Imposing Lockdown Outside Containment Zones

Bhubaneswar: In a major shift, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has withdrawn powers provided to the States/Union Territories in the earlier Unlock guidelines to prohibit certain activities outside the containment zones, or impose restrictions as deemed necessary.

The Unlock 4 guidelines issued by the MHA clearly states “States not to impose any lockdown outside containment zones. State/UT Governments shall not impose any local lockdown (State/District/Sub-Division/City/Village level), outside the containment zones, without prior consultation with the Central Government”.

Under Unlock 4, MHA has allowed all activities outside containment zones except the opening of school, colleges, educational and coaching institutions, cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres (excluding open air theatre), and similar places.

Also, international air travel of passengers is not permitted, except as permitted by MHA.