(Eds: Updates with details, quotes) Hyderabad, May 18 () The Telangana government on Mondayannounced extension of COVID-19 lockdown till May 31 whiledeclaring the entire state barring containment areas as greenzones where it allowed several relaxations such as resumptionof public transport, hair salons and e-commerce activities. Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao made the announcement,a day after the Centre extended the national lockdown to checkthe spread of coronavirus till the month end, saying life hasto go on with the pathogen till a vaccine is found. He had earlier announced the lockdown would be in force inthe state till May 29. Speaking after a meeting of the state Cabinet, Rao late onMonday announced several relaxations, including resumption ofpublic transport with conditions. "The government is declaring all zones in the state to begreen zones except containment areas," he said, a day afterthe Centre allowed states to categorise red, green and orangezones -- marking of areas based on COVID-19 case load. Rao said there was no alternative except living withCOVID-19 as life cannot stop and that there is no immediatepossibility of vaccine or medicine emerging for the deadlyvirus.
He said all shops can be opened in the state except inHyderabad where they can function on an alternate (odd-even)basis. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC)commissioner would announce the guidelines.
However, no shops can be opened in containment areas.
The state-run road transport Corporation buses wouldresume from Tuesday but not in the city.
He said Metro train and inter-state bus services would benot operated.
He said autos and taxis would be allowed in the city. Intaxis, driver plus three passengers would be allowed. Inautos, driver and two passengers would be allowed.
Hair salons and e-commerce can function.
Government and private offices can function 100 per centby following COVID 19 norms. Factories, industries andmanufacturing units are also allowed to function by followingthe norms.
Curfew would continue in the state as it is till May 31(during night time). All places of worship would remain closedand no religious festivals would be allowed, the chiefminister said.
All educational institutions, cinema halls, malls andfunction halls would remain closed.
Wearing of masks in public places was compulsory andviolation would attract fine of Rs 1,000, Rao said.
He appealed to people to observe self-restraint and saidsenior citizens should not be allowed to come out of theirhomes. SJRVS VS
(This story has not been edited by www.businessinsider.in and is auto–generated from a syndicated feed we subscribe to.)