In a Notification dated 7th September, 2020 the Government of Andhra Pradesh has informed that lockdown in the State will be implemented as per the MHA Unlock 4 Order (issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on 29th August, 2020) in order to contain the spread of the pandemic COVID-19 and ensure phased re-opening in the State.
1. Activities permitted during Unlock 4 period outside Containment Zones
In areas outside the Containment Zones, all activities will be permitted, except the following:
i. Schools, colleges, educational and coaching institutions:
Schools, colleges, educational and coaching institutions will remain continue to remain closed for students and regular class activity up to 30th September, 2020. However, following will be permitted:
a. Online/ distance learning shall continue to be permitted and will be encouraged
b. States/ UTs may permit upto 50% of teaching and non-teaching staff to be called to the schools at a time for online teaching/ tele counselling and related work, in areas outside the Containment Zones only, with effect from 21st September 2020 for which, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MOHFW)
c. Students of classes 9 to 12 may be permitted to visit their schools, in areas outside the Containment Zones only, on voluntary basis, for taking guidance from their teachers. This will be subject to written consent of their parents/ guardians and will be permitted with effect from 21st September 2020 for which, SOP will be issued by MoHFW
ii. Metro rail
Metro rail will be allowed to operate with effect from 7th September, 2020 in a graded manner, by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA) / Ministry of Railways (MOR), in consultation with MHA. In this regard, SOP will be issued by MOHUA.
iii. Social/ academic/ sports/ entertainment/ cultural/ religious/ political functions
Social/ academic/ sports/ entertainment/ cultural/ religious/ political functions and other congregations with a ceiling of 100 persons, will be permitted with effect from 21st September 2020, with mandatory wearing of face masks, social distancing, provision for thermal scanning and hand wash or sanitizer.
However, marriage related gatherings with number of guests not exceeding 50 and funeral/ last rites related gatherings with number of persons not exceeding 20 will continue to be allowed upto 20th September 2020, after which the ceiling of 100 persons will apply.
iv. Cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres:
Cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres and similar places will remain closed. However, open air theatres will be permitted to open with effect from 21st September 2020.
v. International air travel of passengers, except as permitted by MHA.
2. Lockdown limited to Containment Zones-
i. Lockdown will continue to remain in force in the Containment Zones till 30th September, 2020.
ii. Containment Zones will be demarcated by the District authorities after taking into consideration the guidelines of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) with the objective of effectively breaking the chain of transmission. Strict containment measures will be enforced in these containment zones and only essential activities will be allowed.
iii. These Containment Zones will be notified on the websites by the respective District Collectors and by the States/ UTs and information will be shared with MOHFW.
3. State/ UT Governments shall not impose any local lockdown (State/ District/ subdivision/City level), outside the containment zones, without prior consultation with the Central Government.
4. No restriction on Inter-State and intra-State movement:
There must not be any restriction on inter-State and intra-State movement of persons and goods including those for cross land-border trade under Treaties with neighbouring countries. No separate permission/ approval/ e-permit will be required for such movements.
5. Movement of persons with SOPs:
Movement by passenger trains; domestic passenger air travel; movement of persons on Vande Bharat and Air Transport Bubble flights; and sign-on and sign-off of Indian seafarers will continue to be regulated as per SOPs issued.
6. Protection of vulnerable persons:
Persons above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women, and children below the age of 10 years are advised to stay at home, except for essential and health purposes.
7. Use of Aarogya Setu – With a view to ensuring safety in offices and work places, employers on best effort basis should ensure that Aarogta Setu is installed by all employees having compatible mobile phones.
8. General Directives for COVID-19 Management:
• Face coverings: Wearing of face cover is compulsory in public places; in workplaces; and during transport. Fine of Rs. 200 in Municipal Corporation areas and Rs. 100 in other areas shall be imposed for not wearing face cover as required.
• Social Distancing: Individuals must maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet (2 gaz ki doori) in public places; shops to ensure physical distancing among customers;
• Spitting in public places will be punishable with fine (as may be prescribed in accordance with laws, rules or regulations);
9. Additional requirements in all Workplaces:
• Work from home (WFH): As far as possible the practice of WFH should be followed;
• Staggering of work/business hours will be followed in offices, workplaces, shops, markets and industrial & commercial establishments;
• Screening & Hygiene: Provision for thermal scanning, hand wash or sanitizer will be made at all entry and exit points along with common areas;
• Frequent sanitization of entire workplace, common facilities and all points which come into human contact e.g. door handles etc., will be ensured, including between shifts;
• Social distancing: All persons in charge of workplaces to ensure adequate distance between workers, adequate gaps between shifts, staggering the lunch breaks of staff etc.
Any person violating these measures will be liable to be proceeded against as per the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, besides legal action under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.
Source: Government of Andhra Pradesh
