Lockdown 5 to begin with inter-state movement of people, goods

The government, while announcing Lockdown 5 till June 30, has begun to reduce restrictions. In one of the biggest reliefs announced so far, it has allowed inter-state and intra-state movement of persons and goods.

Restrictions on movement of people and goods will be applicable only in containment zones up to June 30 – the end date for Lockdown 5. The latest order by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) says, "There shall be no restriction on inter-state and intra-state movement of persons and goods. No separate permission/approval/e-permit will be required for such movements."

This also means that if a state or a Union Territory plans to regulate movement due to public health reasons, it will give wide publicity in advance regarding its decision and also announce procedures to be followed.

The MHA said, "Movement by passenger trains and Shramik Special trains; domestic passenger air travel; movement of Indian nationals stranded outside the country and of specified persons to travel abroad; evacuation of foreign nationals; and sign-on and sign-off of Indian seafarers will continue to be regulated as per the SOPs issued."

In announcing Lockdown 5, the government is giving priority to opening up economic activity steadily with lesser number of restrictions..