COVID-19: Lockdown extended, new guidelines issued

IMPACT – HIGH

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has extended India’s COVID-19 lockdown for an additional two weeks. The MHA has also issued new activity guidelines based on district risk levels.

Key Points:

• The new guidelines that regulate different activities during this time are based on risk profiling of the country’s districts as either Red (hotspot), Green or Orange Zones. These guidelines have permitted considerable relaxation in Green and Orange Zone districts.
• Travel by air, rail, metro and interstate roads remains prohibited throughout the country.
• Movement by air, rail, and road is only allowed for select purposes as permitted by the MHA.
• The following remain closed throughout the country, regardless of zone, as they involve large public gatherings:
  • Schools and colleges.
  • Hotels and restaurants.
  • Movie theaters, malls, gymnasiums and sports complexes.
  • Places of worship.

Background: Last month, India extended its international flight suspension and began restricting immigration services and granting visa extensions in March. Click here for more information regarding the new guidelines.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.