As India proceed to the end of the fourth phase of the lockdown on Sunday, the citizens wait for the nations exit strategy. With the end of phase four of the lockdown, the nation is ought to see new guidelines which are going to be stricter for 13 cities which account for about 70% of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases, officials have indicated.
According to some sources, India which is now the ninth worst-hit country in the world, with over 1.73 lakh cases and more than 4,900 deaths, will witness a lockdown 5.0 from June 1 to June 14.
The fresh guidelines issued by the Union ministry of home affairs for the extended lockdown will give powers to states to take strict measures as per their need but they will have to follow the ones issued by the Centre.
While the lifting of restrictions, including opening of markets, more inter-state transport facilities and allowance of commercial activities such as e-commerce deliveries in all the zone gave a sigh of relief to supply chains of companies in the fourth phase of the lockdown, the fifth phase might hit them badly specifically in the 13 cities namely Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Thane, Pune, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Indore, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Chengalpattu and Thiruvallur.
The nationwide lockdown was first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24 for three weeks days to curb the spread of the coronavirus infections. It was then extended till May 3 and then May 17 and again till May 31.
The government which each phase opened gates for limited economic activities. And, even allowed limited operations of trains and domestic flights.
The fifth phase might also see some more relaxations on economic activities from the government with proper guidelines. However, the 13 worst-hit cities in the country might not be issued relaxations and will have to bare stricter restrictions.
