New Delhi : Lockdown, which came into effect on March 25 of this year for containment of the spread of the novel coronavirus is drawing to a close. This nationwide lockdown announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to enter its fourth phase on May 18.

According to inputs, the guidelines for lockdown 4.0 will be announced on Sunday. This fourth phase of the lockdown is expected to last for two more weeks, until May 31.

With the exception of containment zones, autorickshaws, buses, and cabs are likely to get the Centre’s permission to ply in red, orange and green zones. Similarly, e-commerce websites could be allowed to deliver non-essentials in all districts, except containment zones.

Offices and factories could also get the nod to operate with more strength. Industries have requested the central government to raise the cap of workforce participation to 50 per cent from the current 33 per cent as instructed by the Ministry of Home Affairs in its standing order.

There is also speculation that the Union government could redefine red zones across the country.