Agencies

Under the new guidelines, states/Union Territories (UTs) will now categorise Red, Green and Orange zones taking into consideration the parameters shared by the Health Ministry.

In the fourth phase of the coronavirus lockdown that begins from Monday, the states and Union territories will not be able to dilute restrictions. However, they can restrict activities that have been allowed in certain areas under widespread relaxations introduced by the Centre.

"I would like to reiterate again that states/Union Territories cannot dilute restrictions imposed vide the aforesaid guidelines issued by the MHA," warned Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla in a letter to all chief secretaries. However, he added that "based on their assessment", the states and Union territories may prohibit activities in certain areas.