Modi govt plans 2 Covid strategies post-April 14; for 'lockdown & non-lockdown' states

Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired a meeting with empowered group of ministers on Tuesday to discuss strategy of what will happen post completion of 21-day nationwide Coronavirus lockdown on April 14. According to sources, course of action has been divided into two parts, seemingly leaving it for states to decide wher or t to lift ir respective lockdowns -

1. States which will extend lockdown

2. States which will open lockdown

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Action plan in states which will extend lockdown

• In states where lockdown extends, presence of basic amenities like food and medicines will be  basic point of concern. Sources said that army cantonments in se states will be used as ration holding points and centres and local admin alongside army co of that area will coordinate dispersal.
• Commercial transportation in se states will continue as it is w 
• Mega community canteens with help of central government will be set up for poor people 
• State governments will be told to provide transportation of perishable goods in every district directly from farmers. For se central points will be made keeping in mind social distancing guidelines. 

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Action plan in states where lockdown will open

• respective governments would be told and requested to do it in a phased manner. Commercial use of vehicles for personal movement is already allowed. states will need to open roads and shops phase by phase.
• 1st week: Only stand-alone shops with semi-essential products limited to food 
• 2nd week: Food shops and restaurants only with home delivery 
• 3rd-week: Community markets with semi-essential needs only
• 4th week: If everything under control, malls will be allowed to open. However, clubs and recreational centres will remain closed. If this scenario fails, imposition of lockdown will be considered again.

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