Why in news?
An expert committee headed by former Chief Secretary K.M. Abraham has recommended a phased relaxation of the lockdown to contain COVID-19 for areas outside the seven hotspot districts in the State from April 15.
What the Expert Committee said?
- It should be borne in mind that the phased withdrawal is sustainable only if there is a steady recovery and decline in the number of cases leading to initial flattening of the infection curve and then gradual tapering of the curve to zero infection cases.
- It has asked the government to advise the people that in the event of a resurgence, they should be ready and willing to undergo the rigours of a complete lockdown once again.
- The committee has also come up with health-related and non-health-related objectives for the withdrawal strategy and steps for management of hotspots and vulnerable population.
3 Phase Restriction Explained:
![Machine generated alternative text:
Restrictions during 3 phases
workers, patients
• No gathering of
more than
5 persons
• No religious
congregations
• Attendance at
marriages, funerals
to be 10
Super
markets, malls,
cinemas, bars to
remain closed
Face mask
compulsory for
stepping out
Ban on those above 65
with history of comorbidity
from stepping out
Govt. offces, banks
may reopen with
50% attendance
PHASE
Identity card must, Odd-even
travel purpose to
be explained
scheme for
private vehicles
No flights,
train
services
Total clampdown on
vehicle movement
on Sunday
No entry of any
One person per
house can go
person from
outside for 3 hours outside the State
Hostels,
residential
facilities may
be opened
PHASE
Domestic flights for
essential passengers,
doctors, health
Autos, taxis may be allowed, but only
one and three passengers respectively
Bus travel for
Activities under
short distance
MGNREGS, micro,
within city or town
small and medium
with one person per seat enterprises begin
Inter-district
bus transport
with two-
thirds capacity
IT companies
to open
partially
Bevco may start
online sale of liquor
Entry into the
No religious
State, should
congregations,
large marriages, undergo
political meetings, 14-day
conferences
quarantine
Attendance at
marriages and
funerals to be 20
Workers at worksite 20
or 25% of staff strength,
People may be permitted to walk for
30 minutes before 7.30 a.m.
Universities, schools, colleges open for exams](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_webp,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.legacyias.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/3-Phase.png)
Phase I relaxation
- For qualifying for Phase 1 relaxation, there has to be not more than one new case in the district for the entire week prior to the date of review on April 14.
- No increase more than 10% of the number of persons under home surveillance in the district and no hotspots of COVID-19 anywhere in the district as identified by the Health Department are the other criteria fixed.
Criteria for Phase II
- A district will qualify for Phase II relaxation at the time of second review only if there is no more than one new case for the entire fortnight prior to the date of review.
- Not more than a 5% increase in the number of persons under home surveillance from the date of the previous review and no infection hotspots are the additional criteria.
Phase III relaxation
- A district will qualify for Phase III relaxation only if there is no new case of infection in that district for the fortnight prior to the date of review.
- In addition, a decrease of more than 5% of the number of persons under home surveillance in the district from the date of the previous review and no hotspots anywhere in the district are needed.