Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday officially extended the nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, till May 3. The 21-day lockdown was initiated on March 25 and was scheduled to end on April 14. However, the central and state governments decided that extending the lockdown is the only way to ensure that the daily rise in the number of COVID-19 cases does not overwhelm the healthcare system.
As of April 14, the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India stands at 10,815. This figure includes 1,189 patients who were either cured or discharged after undergoing treatment and 353 who succumbed to the infection. In addition, one COVID-19 patient in India decided to migrate back to his/her country after being cured of the infection.
Here’s a complete list of what’s open and what’s closed to help you better navigate the second phase of this nationwide lockdown.
Essential services have been exempted from the lockdown. These include health workers (doctors, nurses), sanitation workers, media persons, security personnel (police, security forces). In some states, farmworkers and those in the agriculture sector have been permitted to transport their produce to the local mandis. However, a nationwide order in this regard is yet to be issued.
Hospitals, government offices involved in key operations crucial to the detection and treatment of coronavirus, offices of cooking gas agencies, fuel pumps, food supply chains (wholesale and retail stores and mandis), pathology/diagnostic labs are also exempted from the lockdown and permitted to operate.
In Delhi’s Azadpur vegetable Mandi, traders have decided to follow the odd-even rule amid the lockdown. The shed numbers of the vegetable traders in the mandi will be considered for the odd-even rule and the same will remain in effect from 6 am to 11 am and 2 pm to 6 pm along with social distancing norms.
There is no restriction on inter-state and intra-state movement of goods trucks. All trucks are allowed to move, whether or not the goods being transported are essential.
Citizens living in areas that have not been identified as containment zones can move out of their homes to buy essential commodities such as food products and milk. However, one must restrict movement to a bare minimum and wear a mask and gloves while stepping out each time.
All passenger trains and domestic/international flights remain suspended till May 3. The same applies to all forms of public transport (private and public cabs, buses, metro services).
Non-essential businesses which do not feature in the lists of exceptions issued by the central and state governments.
All public places (gyms, swimming pools, movie theatres, malls, multiplexes, public parks, markets) will also remain closed till May 3.
Residents of areas marked containment zones or hot spots will not be allowed to move out of their homes and food and other essentials will be delivered to their doorstep.
A number of industries such as agriculture, fishing and pharma are expected to be added to the list of exceptions only in districts specifically identified as “non-hotspots”. Clarity on this is expected after April 20.
After April 20, eateries (dhabas) situated on highways along with truck repair shops and construction workers are expected to resume operations in areas where authorities are yet to detect even a single case of Covid-19.
Also, Read Salary Cuts, Layoffs In The Real Estate Sector; Hope Of Big Relief Package From Government.
In a shocking development, YouTuber Praneeth Hanumanthu has become embroiled in controversy following his detention by the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau. Initially arrested for making offensive remarks during a podcast, Hanumanthu's predicament has escalated, resulting in further allegations under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act after he tested positive for cannabis consumption. The Context of the Detention The origins of Hanumanthu's difficulties can be linked to a podcast he hosted, which included a conversation that many considered highly unseemly. During this episode, he made inappropriate comments regarding the dynamics between a father and daughter, igniting outrage among viewers and critics alike. This incident quickly garnered the attention of both the public and law enforcement, prompting an investigation by the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau. The primary allegation centered around his remarks, which were deemed to have crossed the boundaries of acceptable discourse. This scenario raises broader inquiries about accountability and the duties of content creators, particularly in an era where online platforms can amplify messages to a large audience. As a public figure, Hanumanthu's statements carry substantial weight, and the backlash he has encountered signifies society's increasing intolerance towards harmful rhetoric. Charges Related to Substances Things took a turn for the worse for Hanumanthu when, following his arrest, authorities opted to perform a drug test. The results confirmed the presence of cannabis in his system, leading to additional allegations under the NDPS Act. This legislation is a strict law in India aimed at combating substance abuse and trafficking. By testing positive for drug use, Hanumanthu not only worsened his legal troubles but also further tarnished his reputation. The addition of drug-related charges initiates an important discourse about the effects of substance use among influencers and celebrities. Many young individuals look up to figures like Hanumanthu, and such disclosures can have significant consequences on their perceptions and behaviors. The fallout from his actions extends beyond legal issues; it also encompasses the ethical obligations that accompany public visibility. Reactions from the Public and Consequences The public’s reaction to Hanumanthu's arrest has been varied. Many viewers voiced their outrage over both his initial remarks and his later substance use. Social media has been inundated with discussions, memes, and criticisms, illustrating the swift spread of information and opinions in today’s digital environment. Critics contend that individuals like Hanumanthu should be held accountable for their influence, particularly when it concerns endorsing a healthy lifestyle and responsible behavior. On the other hand, some supporters have rallied behind him, advocating for the necessity of empathy and understanding. They highlight the pressures that accompany being a public figure, especially in a hyper-connected world where every action is scrutinized. This divide in public sentiment mirrors a broader societal conversation about celebrity culture, accountability, and the intricacies of mental health and substance use. The Wider Picture of Substance Abuse Hanumanthu's situation is also part of a larger discourse regarding drug abuse in India, especially among the youth. As discussions about mental health and substance use become more widespread, incidents like this underscore the pressing need for awareness and education about addiction and its root causes. The stigma surrounding drug use often hampers open dialogue about the topic, leaving many to endure in silence. Moreover, the legal implications of the NDPS Act spark questions about how society addresses drug-related offenses. While the act aims to deter substance abuse, critics argue that such laws can disproportionately impact certain demographics and do not tackle the underlying causes of addiction. Conversations around harm reduction, rehabilitation, and public health strategies are increasingly relevant within the framework of these laws. Prospects Ahead for Hanumanthu As Hanumanthu navigates the forthcoming legal hurdles, his future remains unpredictable. He faces possible legal repercussions for both his unsatisfactory comments and his substance use, which could greatly affect his career and personal life. The scenario serves as a cautionary example for content creators about the consequences of their expressions and actions, highlighting the need for thoughtful engagement with their audience.…
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