The lockdown which scheduled to end on 3 May 2020 has been extended.
MEASURES
- On 1 May, the government announced that the lockdown which scheduled to expire on 3 May 2020 has been prolonged until 17 May with loosened restrictions. The new Guidelines was issued and applicable based on the risk profiling of the districts into Red (Hotspot), Green and Orange Zones.
- In addition to coloured zones, the States/Uts and District Administrations have the right to demarcate Containment Zones within Red and Orange zones. Stricter protocol shall be fulfilled in these Containment Zones, including no public movement is allowed to in or out of these Containment Zones , except for medical emergencies and for maintaining supply of essential goods and services.
IMPACT ON FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN
- From the new guidelines, all activities which are not specifically prohibited or permitted with restrictions in the various zones, will be permitted. For food sector, the food supply chain will remain unhampered throughout the extended lockout period.
- However, it is believed that the concerns will remain the same on the ground, including the interpretation of legislation by the enforcement officials, logistics issues, and the availability of labour.
- The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) will continue to work closely with the government authorities in order to ensure the operation of food supply chain is unhampered during the extended lockdown.
- Amid of the lockdown, on 6 May, the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) launched a training programme on COVID-19 precautions for food business. Food businesses can participate this certified programme through https://www.fostac.fssai.gov.in/
FIA RECOMMENDATIONS/ACTIONS
- FIA is working closely with local industry association FICCI, to monitor the progress of development of the lockdown situation in India.