India enters fourth phase lockdown with relaxations

New Delhi: India entered the fourth phase of the nationwide lockdown imposed to contain the COVID-19 pandemic which started yesterday.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced last week that the current lockdown will be extended with effect from May 18.

Fresh guidelines were issued by the Ministry of Home (Internal Security) Affairs for the fourth phase of lockdown till May 31, announcing some relaxations like opening of stadiums and sports complexes but without spectators, allowing interstate movement of vehicles but with mutual consent of the states, movement of essential goods, and restaurants permitted to operate kitchens and home delivery of prepared food items.

The decision was taken by the Indian government after Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently consulted chief ministers of all states regarding the lockdown.