The decision taken in light of the current state of the pandemic tightens curbs on social gatherings, including weddings, according to a notice issued by the Cabinet Division on Sunday.
All tourist destinations, resorts, community and recreation centres will remain closed during the lockdown to limit infections.
Restaurants, however, can continue offering takeaway and online delivery services from 6am to 10 pm. Dine-in services will also be allowed but restaurants must limit entry to half their available seats.
Deputy commissioner in 'high risk' districts can take necessary steps to prevent any further spread of the infection in their respective areas in consultation with the concerned technical committee.
Public transport services, including inter-district buses, can also continue operating at half capacity. However, everyone, including passengers, must wear masks and comply with health directives.
The government started a nationwide lockdown on Apr 5 to tackle a second wave of infections during which confirmed cases rose past 7,000 with more than 100 deaths in daily counts.
On Apr 14, restrictions were further strengthened in what came to be known as the ‘strictest lockdown’ in which people were barred from going outside, except for an emergency, in an effort to contain a massive spike in COVID cases.