Easing of curbs in UT depends on lifting of containment order

CHANDIGARH: The Central government on Friday extended the countrywide lockdown from May 4 to May 17 to prevent the spread of Covid-19, easing restrictions according to red, orange and green zones, but how Chandigarh fares depends on whether the administration lifts its containment order of April 18.

The home affairs ministry’s Friday order extending the lockdown said no restrictions will be lifted in the containment zone except for essential and emergency services, but some restrictions will be eased in red zones outside such areas.

“We will be following the Central government directions on relaxations to be introduced. A number of relaxations have been allowed in the red zones outside the containment zone by the latest ministry of home affairs order,” UT adviser Manoj Parida said.

Consequently, the administration is actively considering limiting the containment zone to a few affected pockets rather than the entire city, he added. The administration is also likely to revoke the city-wide curfew and continue with the lockdown.

“The final decision on the extent of containment zone and

relaxations will be taken by May 3. Nearly 70% of suggestions from city residents and different stakeholders to the Sinha Committee have advocated relaxations to be introduced and containment zone to be demarcated,” Parida said.

The adviser-appointed committee, led by AK Sinha, has been set up to recommend the post May 3 relaxation plan for the city.

The city was declared a containment zone by the administration after the Central government designated it a red zone on April 15. Curfew orders imposed here on March 24.

Covid-19 positive cases have also surged sharply from 27 to 88 in the last six days between April 25 and May 1. Administration has so far declared six ‘affected pockets’ in the city. 60% of city’s cases are from two

pockets – Bapu Dham Colony and Sector 30. Mohali’s Nayagaon and Jawaharpur and Panchkula’s Sector 15 have been declared containment zones even as Chandigarh’s sister cities were designated orange zones. The administrations of Panchkula and Chandigarh are yet to issue orders after the lockdown extension even as Mohali has allowed several relaxations..