Lockdown across the nation was first initiated by the Centre on March 24th to curb the spread of Covid-19. Since then, it has been extended several times for several reasons including inability to curb the pandemic. In order to restore the lost economic activity and livelihoods, Central Government commenced the Unlock mechanism on May 31st. As three iterations of Unlocks were successfully completed, the nation is about to enter Unlock 4.0 from September 1st with resumption of more services.
While we have seen the recommencement of temple activities, Yoga centres, hotels and shopping malls in Unlock 3.0, the decision on opening educational institutions, bars, theatres, allowing inter-state travel and metro rail services has been kept on hold. If reliable sources are to be believed, the Government is going to give the green signal only to inter-state and metro rail travel. Opening of schools, colleges and bars is doubtful as the pandemic rages. However, the final decision would be left to the respective states whether to implement the relaxations regarding travel.
Telangana Government is on a pro-active mode by holding discussions with RTC officials about the implementation of safe travel measures even before the release of new guidelines by the Centre. Karnataka is also following the footsteps of Telangana and is ready to resume its travel services. Arvind Kejriwal has written a letter to the Central Govt. to grant the state permission to resume Metro services. As more and more states apply for relaxations and resume various essential and non-essential services, the upcoming Unlock 4.0 guidelines will aim to revive the economy and control the spread of Covid.
