Lesser Restrictions, Spike In Covid-19 Cases And The Declining GDP - A Look At What's Happening In Unlock 4

The ease in lockdown restrictions has come at the time when India on daily basis continues to record an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. Going by the daily health bulletin, in the last 24 hours, India registered 69,921 new COVID-19 cases and 819 deaths while the number of active cases stands at 7,85,996.

(Image: AFP)

New Delhi: With the beginning of new month, India has entered the fourth phase of Unlock on Tuesday (September 1), which comes in with rising number of Coronavirus cases but 'fewer restrictions' and 'declined economy'. The Government of India on Saturday announced guidelines for 'Unlock 4' as per which, more activities are now allowed in areas outside Containment Zones including metros in some places and even visiting educational institutes from September 21. Whether on the trail basis or to be done in the phased manner, some corners of the country will even witness opening up of bars and restaurants as a part of Unlock 4. Moreover, the Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to allow religious, social, political, entertainment, sports and academic events to take place from September 21. Open air theaters will also be permitted from September 21. Spike In COVID-19 Cases It is to be noted that the ease in lockdown restrictions has come at the time when India on daily basis continues to record an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. Going by the daily health bulletin provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in the last 24 hours, India registered 69,921 new COVID-19 cases and 819 deaths while the number of active cases stands at 7,85,996. Across the country, five States have posted the highest addition to the new cases i.e Maharashtra (11,852), Andhra Pradesh (10,004), Karnataka (6,495), Tamil Nadu (5,956) and Uttar Pradesh (4,782). Together they account for 56 per cent of the confirmed cases added in the last 24 hours. The government data shows that 54 per cent COVID-19 cases are in the 18-44 years age group but 51 per cent deaths are in the 60 years and above age group. Declined GDP Of India While on one hand the country  strives to fight back the Coronavirus pandemic, India has faced another jolt in the face upon realising that country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the first quarter of 2020-21 contracted 23.9 per cent. The readings revealed by the National Statistical Office (NSO) of Government of India on Monday showed that GDP at Constant (2011-12) Prices in Q1 of 2020-21 is estimated at Rs 26.90 lakh crore, as against Rs 35.35 lakh crore in Q1 of 2019-20. It showed a contraction of 23.9 per cent as compared to 5.2 per cent growth in Q1 2019-20. Here's Whats All Is Happening In Unlock 4 Across India  Hotels, Restaurants & Bars: The Karnataka government has allowed bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants in the state to serve liquor from Tuesday with 50 percent of their seating capacity. However, the bars and pubs have been instructed to strictly follow the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Covid-19. Hotels in Maharashtra will be allowed to operate with 100 percent capacity following COVID-19 protocols Inter/Intra-State Movement Of Goods, Persons: The statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs for Unlock 4 clearly stated that there will be no restriction on inter-State and intra-State movement of persons and goods, and no separate permission/ e-permit will be required for such movements. The centra in its new set of guidelines instructed that State/ UT Governments shall not impose any local lockdown outside the containment zones, without prior consultation with the central government. Metro Trains: As per the new guidelines, Metro rail will be allowed to operate with effect from September 7 in a graded manner. While the Delhi Metro is set to resume from September 7, operations of Metro Rail in a graded manner from September 8 would be allowed in West Bengal. At the same time, worst-hit Maharashtra continues to keep the metro services at halt. Weekly Markets: The Delhi government allowed for reopening of weekly markets however, these will be opened on a trail basis. At the same time, the Haryana government on Sunday decided to withdraw its previous August 28 order, imposing lockdown in the state on Mondays and Tuesdays. The previous order, issued by the state government on Friday, had ordered to shut down shopping malls and markets in non-containment zones of urban areas on Mondays and Tuesday every week.