New Covid-19 Lockdown Rules 2023

Here is a list of guidelines for lockdown on what is allowed from Sep. 1.

1. Educational institutions such as schools, colleges, and coaching centres will remain shut until Sep. 30. However, the following will be permitted:

a. Online and distance learning
b. Up to 50% of teaching and non-teaching staff can visit schools for online teaching purposes outside the containment zones from Sep. 21 based on the SOP(Standard Of Operations) issued by the Ministry Of Health And Family Welfare(MoHFW).
c. Classes 9 to 12 students can visit their schools located outside containment zones voluntarily from Sept.21 with written consent from parents/guardians based on the SOP(Standard Of Operations) issued by the Ministry Of Health And Family Welfare(MoHFW).
d. Entrepreneurship or skill training will be allowed at Short-Term training centres, Industrial Training Institutes(ITIs), and National Skill and Training Institutes, affiliated with National Skill Development Corporation or State Skill Development Missions, and other central and state government institutions from Sep. 21 based on the SOP(Standard Of Operations) issued by the Ministry Of Health And Family Welfare(MoHFW).

2. Metro rail services will resume on Sep. 7 in a graded manner based on the SOP issued by the Ministry Of Housing and Urban Affairs(MOHUA).

3. Social, sports, academic, cultural, entertainment, and political events and gatherings with a maximum of 100 attendees will be allowed starting Sep. 21, with mandatory precautions like social distancing, masks, hand washing, and thermal scanning.

4. Open-air theatres can reopen on Sep. 21

Here is a list of rules of lockdown detailing what is not allowed from Sep. 1:

1. Swimming pools, cinema halls, theatres, entertainment parks, and similar places will remain closed.
2. Lockdown guidelines shall remain active in the containment zones till Sep. 30.
3. Domestic passenger air travel, movement of passenger trains, movement of individuals on Air Transport Bubble flights, and Vande Bharat and sign on and sign off of Indian seafarers will remain regulated.
   4.Individuals above 65 years of age, pregnant women, persons with co-morbidities, and children below 10 years of age are advised to be at home unless there is a health emergency.

The State Government and UT should not impose any new lockdown guidelines outside the containment zones without the approval of the Central Government. In addition, they shall not dilute any guidelines issued. Furthermore, they can use Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code(CrPC) to enforce social distancing measures.

An individual violating these measures will be penalised based on the provisions of Sec 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. In addition, there can also be legal actions under Section 188 of the IPC and any applicable provisions.

During the lockdown in India, the Central Government has announced several safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including:

1. Wear a mask - Wearing a mask is an effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It prevents respiratory droplets from entering the air and reduces the spread of the virus.
2. Practising social distancing - Social distancing is another effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet from others in public places is recommended.
3. Washing hands - Washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds can help prevent the spread of COVID-19. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
4. Avoiding large gatherings - Avoid large gatherings and crowded places as much as possible. The virus can easily spread in large crowds.
5. Cleaning regularly - Regular cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces and objects are important to prevent the spread of the virus.

Safety Measures For Workplaces

While following the new rules for lockdown, it is important to know some of the safety measures issued by the Government for workplaces:

1. Work from home - Encourage employees to work from home.
2. Thermal screening - Conduct regular temperature checks for employees at all entry points.
3. Hygiene - Encourage frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizers.
4. Limit group meetings - Avoid in-person meetings and opt for video conferencing or phone calls to avoid crowd gathering.
5. Social distance - Ensure to maintain at least 6 feet distance between employees in the workplace.
6. Regular cleaning - Disinfect and regularly clean all surfaces, equipment, and workspaces.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of having health insurance. With the high cost of medical treatment for COVID-19, a health insurance plan can help cover the expenses and reduce the financial burden on families. In addition, medical insurance can improve access to healthcare, as many insurance policies provide cashless hospitalisation or reimbursement of medical expenses, ensuring individuals receive timely and quality medical care.

Furthermore, for those who purchase health insurance, there are health insurance tax benefits. The premiums paid towards health insurance plans are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The tax benefits depend on the policyholder's age and the type of policy purchased. For example, the maximum deduction for individuals below 60 years of age is ₹25,000, and for senior citizens, it is ₹50,000. Additionally, if the policyholder pays for the health insurance of their dependent parents, they can claim an additional deduction of up to ₹25,000 or ₹50,000, depending on their age.

At Tata AIG, we offer online access to health insurance benefits to ensure easy access to policy information, purchase or renew policies from the comfort of one's home, and the convenience of managing claims and other policy-related tasks online.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected people and economies worldwide. Governments worldwide, including India, have had to make tough decisions and take unprecedented measures to contain the spread of the virus.

Announcing lockdown rules and later lifting restrictions promptly has proven to be crucial in preventing the collapse of healthcare systems and economies. It is essential for governments to stay vigilant, closely monitor the situation, and adapt their strategies as necessary.

The Indian Government's timely announcement of lockdown rules and the gradual easing of restrictions has played a vital role in controlling the spread of the virus, protecting lives, and supporting the economy.