While the people are anxious to know of the outcome of the PM meeting with CMs on lockdown, it is learnt that the central government is not contemplating to lift the lockdown but only easing the restrictions.

According to sources, lockdown will continue at least in a subdued form till schools and cinemas are opened. Since the lockdown was announced on March 24, schools, malls, cinemas and religious places of worship have remained shut fearing the spread of coronavirus.

The governments, sources said, will only relax the norms and make minor changes in the timings but lockdown is likely to stay as the higher officials feel there should be some curbs to check people from flocking on to the roads. As India is a densely populated country, medical experts fear that there would be a catastrophe if people were left unchecked on roads.

Even public transport has been suspended since the lockdown has come into force.

Now, lockdown does not mean shutting down businesses like in the last few days. Almost 90 per cent of the activities are likely to resume after May 17 but with a rider of mandatory measures like wearing masks, keeping sanitisers available for the customers and observing physical distancing.

Even in red zones, business activities will resume with some restrictions.