With the nationwide lockdown being extended to May 3, the Central government will lift restrictions on more sectors starting April 20 "to mitigate hardship to the public". Manufacture of essential goods, cargo operations, courier services, telemedicine, and operations of bank branches are among the services allowed. The government encouraged the use of Aarogya Setu — which has already hit 50 million downloads — for all employees in the public and private sectors. States and union territories cannot dilute any guideline issued by the Home Ministry, but they can impose stricter measures if required. The government has mandated social distancing and face masks in public and work places, disallowed gatherings of five or more people, while gatherings for funerals and marriages shall remain regulated by the District Magistrate. It also reiterated a strict ban on sale of liquor, gutka, tobacco, etc, and prohibited spitting. What is allowed Healthcare Telemedicine facilities, hospitals, nursing homes, clinics Chemists, pharmacies, Jan Aushadhi Kendras Sale and supply of medicines Authorised private establishments, supporting essential services or COVID-19 containment Manufacturing units for drugs, medical devicesm medical oxygen Movement, including by air, or all medical and veterinary personnel, scientists, nurses, para-medical staff, lab technicians, mi-wives, ambualnces, and other hospital support staff Financial sector RBI, and RBI-regulated financial markets, entities such as NPCI, CCIL, payment system operators, standalone primary dealers Bank branches, ATMs, IT vendors for banking operations, banking correspondents, ATM operation and cash management agencies Bank branches can function per normal working house until disbursal of DBT cash transfers is complete…
