MHA issues new guidelines for 'Unlock 1.0'

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday issued new guidelines. In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretaries of states and UTs, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said, “Movement of people is strictly prohibited between 9 pm and 5 am across country, except for essential activities during ‘Unlock 1.0’.”

The MHA letter further stated that restricting people’s movement from 9 pm to 5 am is aimed at preventing congregations, it doesn’t apply to buses, trucks plying on highways.

It further stated that



the restriction doesn't apply to loading/unloading of goods (as part of supply chains & logistics); buses carrying persons & trucks & goods carriers plying State and NHs; or persons travelling to their destinations after disembarking from buses, trains & flights.

The new guidelines came on a day when India recorded more than 10,000 cases in the last 24 hours for the very first time since the outbreak making it the highest jump recorded in a day. The total tally crossed 2.9 lakh on Friday and the death toll was at 8498.