New Delhi, The Centre on Sunday extended the nationwide lockdown for two more weeks, till May 31, in a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus and stated that delineation of Red, Green and Orange Zones will be decided by states and Union Territories.

India was first put behind doors on March 25. This is the fourth-time the lockdown has been imposed in the country, though, this time certain curbs have been relaxed in areas with limited virus infection to boost the economy. The order came hours before the lockdown 3.0 was to end on Sunday midnight.

In a fresh set of guidelines for the next phase of the lockdown, the Ministry of Home Affairs stated, "The delineation of Red, Green and Orange Zones will be decided by the state and UT governments, after taking into consideration the parameters shared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare."

Within the Red and Orange Zones, Containment Zones and Buffer Zones will be demarcated by district authorities, after taking into consideration the guidelines of the Health Ministry.

"In Containment Zones, only essential activities shall be allowed. There shall be strict perimeter control to ensure that there is no movement of people in or out of these zones, except medical emergencies and maintaining supply of essential goods and services," the guidelines added.

The government further said there would be intensive contact tracing, house-to-house surveillance and other clinical interventions in the Containment Zones.

Moreover, the movement of individuals will remain strictly prohibited between 7 p.m. to 7 a.m, except for essential activities.

The guidelines further stated, "Local authorities shall issue orders, in the entire area of their jurisdiction, under appropriate provisions of law, such as prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC and ensure strict compliance."

Persons above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women, and children below the age of 10 years have also been directed to stay at home, except for essential and health purposes.