India on Sunday announced it would be extending a nationwide lockdown imposed since March 25 for two more weeks, but with the easing of curbs, including restrictions on buses and passenger vehicles.
Under the new guidelines issued by India’s Home Ministry, bus and passenger vehicles would be allowed to travel within and between states outside of containment zones, but this would be decided by the state governments.
The new guidelines said that all activities except those specifically prohibited would be allowed and this could mean the opening of local markets, shops for non-essential goods, small businesses and activities like vending.
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Both domestic and international air travel remains banned.
India has already opened restricted rail travel, and the Home Ministry said standard operating procedures regarding social distancing should be followed for road travel as well.
Schools and colleges, hotels and restaurants, cinema halls, shopping malls, gymnasiums, swimming pools and places of worship were among establishments and institutions that will stay closed.
Sports stadiums and arenas would be allowed to open but without spectators.
The extension of the lockdown came as India reported 2,752 deaths and a total of 92,907 new coronavirus infections crossing the tally of China, where the infection began.
The containment zones would continue with the strictest restrictions and no movement allowed in or out except for essential commodities and services and medical emergencies.