MHA exempts lockdown restrictions from food processing units, mobile recharge utilities

Union Ministry of Home Affairs clarified on Thursday that food processing units in urban areas and prepaid mobile recharge utilities are exempted from COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

MHA spokesperson Punya Salila Srivastava also informed that in-house caregivers of senior citizens are exempted from restrictions. Furr, Ministry has also allowed activities related to import and export of horticulture produce.

"To ensure availability of essentials, food processing units in urban areas such as milk processing units, bre factories and flour mills have also been exempted," said Srivastava during a press conference.

country is observing a complete lockdown till May 3 as a preventive measure to contain spre of coronavirus. Shops selling electric fans and acemic books for students have also been allowed to operate by Ministry.

RE | COVID-19: India's Recovery Rate Soars To 19.89%, ICMR Says 'Have Flattened Curve'

Special permissions to seafarers

"Considering that Indian seafarers are stranded and/or are t able to join duty and that seafarers from or countries may take place of Indian seafarers, MHA has issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on sign-on/sign-off for Indian seafarers at Indian ports and ir movement," she said.

Srivastava ded that some states have permitted commercial activities as per MHA guidelines, in areas apart from hotspots or containment zones.

Furr, ensuring safety of health care professionals, MHA has asked states to coordinate with  Indian Medical Association (IMA) local chapter and take requisite steps for ir security.

RE | MHA Asks State Govts To Take Necessary Measures For Ensuring Safety Of Healthcare Workers

Coronavirus in India

Coronavirus cases in India stands at 21393, of which 4257 persons have recovered and 681 have succumed to infection. Lockdown restrictions, particularly in rural areas, have been eased to restart some ecomic activity.

India has suspended all visas and barred travel from Afghanistan, Philippines, EU, UK, China, Malaysia, and mandatory 14-day quarantine from several or countries. PM Modi has extended lockdown till May 3, with a relaxation possibility in n-COVID hotspots since April 20.

RE | BIG: Centre Freezes DA & DR At Current Rates Till July 1, 2021, Amid COVID-19 Crisis

RE | MHA: Caregivers, Food Processing Units, Mobile Recharge Utilities Permitted To Function

(With inputs from ANI)