No restriction on inter-State, intra-State movement: MHA Guidelines

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued an order on November 25 with guidelines for surveillance, containment and caution, which will be effective from December 1, 2020, and to remain in force up to December 31.

The main focus of the Guidelines is to consolidate the substantial gains that have been achieved against the spread of COVID-19 which is visible in the steady decline in the number of active cases in the country. Important points of the guideline are -:

1. States/ UTs to ensure careful demarcation of Containment Zones by the district authorities, at the micro-level,

2. Only essential activities shall be allowed in the Containment Zones.

3. State/ UT Governments shall take all necessary measures to promote COVID-19 appropriate behavior.

4. States and UTs, based on their assessment of the situation, may impose local restrictions, with a view to containing the spread of COVID-19 such as night curfew.

5. However, State/ UT Governments shall not impose any local lockdown (State/ District/ sub-division/City level), outside the containment zones, without prior consultation with the Central Government.

6. In cities, where the weekly Case Positivity Rate is more than 10 percent, States and UTs concerned shall consider implementing staggered office timings and other suitable measures, with a view to reducing the number of employees attending office at the same time, thereby ensuring social distancing.

7. There shall be no restriction on inter-State and intra-State movement of persons and goods including those for cross-land-border trade under Treaties with neighbouring countries.

8. No separate permission/ approval/ e-permit will be required for such movements.