India: Authorities ease COVID-19 restrictions on industries in rural areas from April 20 /update 22

Event

On Wednesday, April 15, the Ministry of Home Affairs released a statement announcing it would allow industries in the information technology sector, as well as agricultural and other rural industries, to resume operations amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The construction of roads and buildings in rural areas will also be allowed to resume. Restrictions will also be lifted on e-commerce and the movement of goods by road, as well as the resumption of air cargo and port operations. Many industries closed or reduced operations under the measures put in place to reduce the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), but the government is now looking to tentatively restart the economy. Operations in major cities where the spread of the virus has been more concentrated will not be able to resume as of yet.

The easing of restrictions in the aforementioned sectors comes despite the announcement on Tuesday, April 14, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, extending the nationwide lockdown until Sunday, May 3. Under the lockdown, individuals are be banned from leaving their homes and essential services remain operational; all shops, offices, markets, and places of worship are closed, and interstate bus and train services are suspended. A ban on international commercial passenger flights is also ongoing. Cargo operations and flights with prior approval are exempt from the restrictions.

As of April 15, there have been 11,555 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in India, including 396 associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is expected over the coming days and weeks.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantine measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.