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Mar 4, 2022
Maharashtra launches Universal Travel Pass system
The Maharashtra government has launched an online portal https://epassmsdma.mahait.org for conveniently issuing e-passes to allow people who are fully vaccinated to travel by public transport, once they have completed 14 days after getting the second dose.
To get the pass, go to the online portal and:
– Click on ‘Travel Pass for Vaccinated Citizens’.
– Enter the mobile number used for Cowin registration and get the OTP.
– Enter the OTP.
– The next page will show you names with vaccination status. Click on ‘Generate Pass’.
– The next page will show you details like name and vaccination date.
– Upload your photo or click a photo on the spot.
– Press ‘Submit’. You will get a text message stating that you will get an approval link by SMS in the next 48 hours.
– Once you get the link via SMS, download the e-pass.
In this context, here are some things you need to know about lockdowns and travel during Covid-19:
How does the government impose lockdowns during Covid-19?
The Central and State governments have the power to take special measures and prescribe regulations to prevent the spread of a dangerous epidemic disease or disaster. So, the government can take several actions to control the spread of the Covid-19 disease by restricting spread and movement by enforcing lockdowns. For example, the government can regulate interstate travel in India.
The National Disaster Management Authority issues a set of orders requesting all Government Ministries/Departments (including State/Union Territory governments) to take effective measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the country. The Authority can issue guidelines on implementing the lockdown, and can request the government to comply with them and implement them strictly. These lockdown orders are published on the Ministry of Home Affairs website.
Are you allowed to step out of your house during lockdown?
You can step out during lockdown only if you have a valid reason for doing so. For example, you can go out to buy essentials, in emergency situations, for vaccination, etc. However, when you go out, you must follow protocol like wearing a mask, social distancing, etc. If you are planning to travel in your private vehicle during lockdown for an essential purpose, it is advisable to carry a self-declaration form stating the purpose of your travel.
What are the punishments for violating lockdown?
Some of the punishments are:
| Offence | Punishment |
| Intentionally doing an unlawful or negligent act which is likely to spread the infection of any life-threatening disease. | Jail time up to six months and/or a fine. |
| Knowingly disobeying a public servant’s lawful order restricting the person from committing a certain act. | If it causes danger to human life, health, or safety – Jail time up to six months and/or a fine up to Rupees one thousand. |
To know more about Covid-19, read our explainer.
Related Weekly Posts
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Did you know that you can book a Covid-19 vaccination slot through WhatsApp?
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Did you know: Hospitals have to admit Covid patients even without identity or residence proof
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To avoid inconvenience to people, the Maharashtra government has said it will issue instructions to all districts and Municipal Corporations to publish vaccination appointment slots at predetermined times, based on vaccine availability. To know more about Covid-19 and how you can register for vaccination, read our explainer.
February 28 2022
Covid-19 update: Court emphasises on importance of erecting cell phone towers
The Madras High Court has noted that during the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic, students are being taught only through online education, and official meetings and even court proceedings are being held through video conferencing. Hence, the Court held that it is necessary to expand information and communication technology networks, including installation and erection of cell phone […]
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Covid-19 update: Court says fix the price for transporting oxygen
The Kerala High Court has asked the State government to speed up the process for fixing the transportation cost of Liquid Medical Oxygen and Oxygen Inhalation (Medicinal Gas) in cylinders. The Court said that the price of oxygen can be controlled effectively only if the transportation cost charged by the manufacturer/supplier is fixed. To […]
February 28 2022
Covid-19 update: Covaxin reserved for second dose for 18-44 age group in Delhi
The Delhi government has said that private hospitals and nursing homes should reserve Covaxin only for people in the 18-44 age group who are scheduled to get the second dose of the vaccine in June. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority has also asked District Magistrates, and health and revenue officials to ensure total compliance with […]
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Covid-19 update: Court says people cannot wait indefinitely for second dose of Covid-19 vaccine
The Tripura High Court has said that people who have already received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine cannot wait indefinitely for receiving the second dose after the mandatory waiting period is over. The Court noted that they would qualify for administration of a second dose upon completion of 12 weeks or 4 weeks […]
February 28 2022
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The Central government has said that it will allocate free vaccine doses to States/UTs based on criteria such as population, disease burden and the progress of vaccination. Further, the government will prioritize vaccination for citizens whose second dose is due, before vaccinating the 18+ category. To know more about Covid-19 and how you can register […]
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February 27 2022
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February 28 2022
Covid-19 update: Door-to-door vaccination in Maharashtra
The Bombay High Court has confirmed that the Central government has not restricted States from freely implementing a door-to-door vaccination programme for elderly citizens above 75 years and persons with disabilities. The Court has given the Maharashtra government time till 22nd June to decide on the door-to-door vaccination policy in the State. To know more […]
February 28 2022
Covid-19 update: Financial relief for families of Covid-19 deceased in Delhi
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February 28 2022
Covid-19 update: Financial assistance for families of Covid-19 deceased
The Supreme Court has directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to recommend guidelines within six weeks to provide financial assistance for the family members of persons who died due to Covid-19. The Court said that the NDMA can decide on a reasonable amount to be offered to the families. To know more about the […]
February 27 2022
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The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has removed the use of plasma therapy from the recommended treatment guidelines for Covid-19. To know more about Covid-19 and how you can register for vaccination, read our explainer. To know more about patient rights, read here.
February 28 2022
Covid-19 update: Keeping an accurate record of Covid-19 deaths
The Orissa High Court has said that the possible undercounting of Covid-19 deaths in the State is a serious issue. The Court asked the State government to enquire about this issue and verify the facts with district-wise data on Covid-19 deaths. To know more about the powers of the government during Covid-19, read our explainer.
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February 27 2022
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February 25 2022
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February 28 2022
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The Supreme Court has noted that it is the duty of government authorities to issue accurate/correct death certificates stating the correct and accurate cause of death, so that the family members of a Covid-19 deceased do not face any difficulty in getting the benefits of relevant government schemes. The Court said that the death […]
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February 28 2022
Did you know that homeopathic doctors can prescribe medicines for preventing Covid-19?
The Kerala High Court has said that qualified homoeopathic physicians can prescribe and dispense preventive and prophylactic homoeo medicines for preventing Covid-19. They can also suggest medicines as add-on drugs for Covid-positive patients undergoing conventional treatment. To know more about Covid-19, read our explainer. To know more about patient rights, read here.
March 04 2022
Did you know that you can book a Covid-19 vaccination slot through WhatsApp?
Indians can now book slots for Covid-19 vaccination through WhatsApp. How can you do so? Step 1: Registration Register in the Covid Vaccine Intelligence Network (CoWIN) system at www.cowin.gov.in. You can register by providing basic details like name, date of birth, permanent and current address, and details of co-morbidities, if any. You must provide […]
February 27 2022
Did you know: Hospitals have to admit Covid patients even without identity or residence proof
The Supreme Court has ordered that hospitals must admit Covid patients and give them essential drugs even if they do not have local residential proof or identity proof. Hospitals must follow this till the Central government establishes a national policy on hospital admission. The Court has given the government two weeks’ time to create the […]
February 28 2022
Keeping a record of Covid-19 deaths
The Madras High Court has taken note of grievances about how the cause of death is recorded on a death certificate during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Court has asked for the State government’s response on this. The Court said that the immediate concern is that a Covid-19 victim’s family may not be able to access […]
February 24 2022
Covid-19 Spike: What actions can the Government take?
Active Covid-19 cases in India rose for the fifth consecutive day and went past the 1.5 lakh mark again after a gap of 17 days, according to Union Health Ministry data on Monday. According to the Ministry, the surge in active cases is due to Maharashtra, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh reporting a spike […]
February 28 2022
Covid-19 update: Attributing Covid-19 as the cause of death on death certificates
The Ministry of Home Affairs has told the Supreme Court that all deaths with a diagnosis of COVID-19, irrespective of comorbidities, will be classified as deaths due to COVID-19. The only exception could be where there is a clear alternative cause of death that cannot be attributed to COVID-19 (accidental trauma, poisoning, etc.), where COVID-19 […]
February 28 2022
Covid-19 update: Can the government force you to get vaccinated?
The Gujarat High Court has temporarily restricted the Indian Air Force from taking forcible action against an officer who is not willing to take the Covid-19 vaccine. The officer expressed a preference for Ayurvedic treatment instead of allopathy, invoking the Constitutional right to choose one’s preferred method of medical treatment. To know more about Covid-19, […]
February 28 2022
Covid-19 update: CoWin slots to open at fixed times in Maharashtra
To avoid inconvenience to people, the Maharashtra government has said it will issue instructions to all districts and Municipal Corporations to publish vaccination appointment slots at predetermined times, based on vaccine availability. To know more about Covid-19 and how you can register for vaccination, read our explainer.
February 28 2022
Covid-19 update: Court emphasises on importance of erecting cell phone towers
The Madras High Court has noted that during the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic, students are being taught only through online education, and official meetings and even court proceedings are being held through video conferencing. Hence, the Court held that it is necessary to expand information and communication technology networks, including installation and erection of cell phone […]
February 28 2022
Covid-19 update: Court says fix the price for transporting oxygen
The Kerala High Court has asked the State government to speed up the process for fixing the transportation cost of Liquid Medical Oxygen and Oxygen Inhalation (Medicinal Gas) in cylinders. The Court said that the price of oxygen can be controlled effectively only if the transportation cost charged by the manufacturer/supplier is fixed. To […]
February 28 2022
Covid-19 update: Covaxin reserved for second dose for 18-44 age group in Delhi
The Delhi government has said that private hospitals and nursing homes should reserve Covaxin only for people in the 18-44 age group who are scheduled to get the second dose of the vaccine in June. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority has also asked District Magistrates, and health and revenue officials to ensure total compliance with […]
February 28 2022
Covid-19 update: Court says people cannot wait indefinitely for second dose of Covid-19 vaccine
The Tripura High Court has said that people who have already received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine cannot wait indefinitely for receiving the second dose after the mandatory waiting period is over. The Court noted that they would qualify for administration of a second dose upon completion of 12 weeks or 4 weeks […]
February 28 2022
Covid-19 update: Criteria for allocating vaccines to States/UTs
The Central government has said that it will allocate free vaccine doses to States/UTs based on criteria such as population, disease burden and the progress of vaccination. Further, the government will prioritize vaccination for citizens whose second dose is due, before vaccinating the 18+ category. To know more about Covid-19 and how you can register […]
February 27 2022
Covid-19 update: Data on children orphaned during the Covid-19 pandemic
The Supreme Court has ordered the Government to submit latest information about children who have been orphaned after March 2020 (whether due to the Covid-19 pandemic or otherwise), and steps taken for attending to their basic needs. The Court also asked district authorities to upload this information on the portal ‘Bal Swaraj’, and to immediately […]
February 27 2022
Covid-19 update: Do we have a door-to-door vaccination policy?
The Bombay High Court has asked the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to consider door-to-door vaccination for elderly citizens above 75 years and people with disabilities. After repeatedly asking the Central government to consider door-to-door vaccination, the Court has now said it will allow the BMC to implement this without the Central government’s approval. To know […]
February 28 2022
Covid-19 update: Door-to-door vaccination in Maharashtra
The Bombay High Court has confirmed that the Central government has not restricted States from freely implementing a door-to-door vaccination programme for elderly citizens above 75 years and persons with disabilities. The Court has given the Maharashtra government time till 22nd June to decide on the door-to-door vaccination policy in the State. To know more […]
February 28 2022
Covid-19 update: Financial relief for families of Covid-19 deceased in Delhi
The Delhi government has launched the Mukhyamantri Covid-19 Pariwar Aarthik Sahayata Yojana to provide immediate financial relief of Rs 50,000 (for each death) to the families of Covid-19 deceased. The scheme also provides continued financial assistance to family members affected by the death of the bread earner due to the Covid-19 pandemic. To know more […]
February 28 2022
Covid-19 update: Financial assistance for families of Covid-19 deceased
The Supreme Court has directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to recommend guidelines within six weeks to provide financial assistance for the family members of persons who died due to Covid-19. The Court said that the NDMA can decide on a reasonable amount to be offered to the families. To know more about the […]
February 27 2022
Covid-19 update: ICMR drops the use of plasma therapy
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has removed the use of plasma therapy from the recommended treatment guidelines for Covid-19. To know more about Covid-19 and how you can register for vaccination, read our explainer. To know more about patient rights, read here.
February 28 2022
Covid-19 update: Keeping an accurate record of Covid-19 deaths
The Orissa High Court has said that the possible undercounting of Covid-19 deaths in the State is a serious issue. The Court asked the State government to enquire about this issue and verify the facts with district-wise data on Covid-19 deaths. To know more about the powers of the government during Covid-19, read our explainer.
February 27 2022
Covid-19 update: New security feature for CoWIN
The CoWIN system has introduced a new four-digit security code from May 8th to minimise errors and inconvenience caused to citizens registering for Covid vaccination. To know more about Covid-19 and how you can register for the vaccine, read our explainer
February 27 2022
Covid-19 update: On-site registration and appointment for Covid-19 vaccine
The Union Health Ministry has enabled on-site registration and appointment for Covid-19 vaccination for the 18-44 age group on CoWIN, subject to the decision of the State government. For now, this applies only to government Covid Vaccination Centers (CVCs). To know more about Covid-19 and how you can register for vaccination, read our explainer.
February 25 2022
Covid-19 vaccination: How can you get the vaccine?
The COVID-19 vaccine is not available to everyone right now. The Government has announced classes of people who can be vaccinated. They started with healthcare workers and now, they are giving the vaccine only to those above 60 years, or between 45 to 60 years with co-morbidities like diabetes, etc. The Delhi High Court […]
February 28 2022
Acting against Covid-19 vaccination fraud
The Bombay High Court has asked the Maharashtra government and police to take action against those involved in Covid-19 vaccine fraud, under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897. The Court also asked the government to give information on the procedure that housing societies should follow to ensure that fake vaccination drives […]
February 27 2022
Combating ‘black fungus’ during the Covid-19 pandemic
The Delhi High Court asked the Central government to consider a complete waiver of import duties on the drug Amphotericin B which is used to treat the ‘black fungus’ disease, at least while the drug remains in short supply in India. In the meantime, anyone importing the drug can clear it by submitting a bond […]
February 28 2022
Covid-19 update: Role of death certificate in Covid-19 financial assistance
The Supreme Court has noted that it is the duty of government authorities to issue accurate/correct death certificates stating the correct and accurate cause of death, so that the family members of a Covid-19 deceased do not face any difficulty in getting the benefits of relevant government schemes. The Court said that the death […]
February 27 2022
Did you know: It is your right to get both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine
The Karnataka High Court has said it is the State government’s duty to provide eligible people with the second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine when it is due. If the government fails to do so, it violates the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. To know more about Covid-19 […]
February 28 2022
Covid-19 update: Vaccination of persons with mental illnesses
The Supreme Court has asked the government to vaccinate people who have been institutionalized in mental health establishments (like hospitals, asylums, etc.) to protect them from the Covid-19 infection. The Court said that if these people are not vaccinated, there will be a large number of deaths in these establishments. To know more about the […]
February 27 2022
Covid-19 update: Sputnik V vaccine now available
India has started using the Sputnik V vaccine against Covid-19, sold at a maximum retail price of ₹ 995 per dose. The imported Russian vaccine was cleared for use by the Central Drugs Laboratory. To know more about Covid-19 and how you can register for vaccination, read our explainer. To know more about how vaccines […]
February 28 2022
Did you know that homeopathic doctors can prescribe medicines for preventing Covid-19?
The Kerala High Court has said that qualified homoeopathic physicians can prescribe and dispense preventive and prophylactic homoeo medicines for preventing Covid-19. They can also suggest medicines as add-on drugs for Covid-positive patients undergoing conventional treatment. To know more about Covid-19, read our explainer. To know more about patient rights, read here.
March 04 2022
Did you know that you can book a Covid-19 vaccination slot through WhatsApp?
Indians can now book slots for Covid-19 vaccination through WhatsApp. How can you do so? Step 1: Registration Register in the Covid Vaccine Intelligence Network (CoWIN) system at www.cowin.gov.in. You can register by providing basic details like name, date of birth, permanent and current address, and details of co-morbidities, if any. You must provide […]
February 27 2022
Did you know: Hospitals have to admit Covid patients even without identity or residence proof
The Supreme Court has ordered that hospitals must admit Covid patients and give them essential drugs even if they do not have local residential proof or identity proof. Hospitals must follow this till the Central government establishes a national policy on hospital admission. The Court has given the government two weeks’ time to create the […]
February 28 2022
Keeping a record of Covid-19 deaths
The Madras High Court has taken note of grievances about how the cause of death is recorded on a death certificate during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Court has asked for the State government’s response on this. The Court said that the immediate concern is that a Covid-19 victim’s family may not be able to access […]