(UTV | COVID-19) – A day after extending a nationwide lockdown, India has relaxed restrictions on farming, banking and public works, but transport services and most businesses remain closed.
The new rules are expected to ease the supply chain and alleviate the impact on the economy.
The lockdown which began on 25 March to contain the spread of the coronavirus will now end on 3 May.
India has reported 9,756 active cases and 377 deaths so far.
Although the country recorded its first case at the end of January, the numbers began to spike only by early March.
It was one of the first countries to impose heavy travel restrictions, including suspending most visas and eventually stopping all international flights. It also banned trains and flights within the country when the lockdown began.
These restrictions will remain in place, as well as those on schools, colleges, malls, cinema halls and most businesses – except those providing essential services such as groceries and pharmacies. All public gatherings – social, political or religious – are also still banned.