FAQ: 130 Red, 319 Green Zones Across India – What Does It Mean?

Here’s all you need to know about the red, orange and green zones in the coronavirus battleground.

In a list released on Thursday, 30 April, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has marked districts across India into 130 Red Zones, 284 Orange Zones and 319 Green Zones – to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

In his interaction with chief ministers on 27 April, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hinted at an extension of the coronavirus lockdown beyond 3 May, especially in Red and Orange Zones.

But what are these zones exactly? How would you know which zone you are a part of? Here’s all you need to know about the zones in the coronavirus battleground.

What are Red Zones? Are these the same as ‘hotspots’?

Red Zones are areas with major coronavirus outbreaks. Essentially, these districts or places are considered 'hotspots' as per the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW).

A district is classified as a ‘hotspot’ if it:

• Contributes to more than 80% of cases in lndia or
• Contributes to more than 80% of cases for each state or
• Districts with doubling rate in less than 4 days

India's major cities – Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad – are all considered Red Zones.

I live in a hotspot district. Does it mean I cannot come out of the house?

No. Areas within the hotspots will further be delineated as containment zones. The state governments will have to identify and notify the Centre regarding the same.

Which areas are classified as Orange Zone?

Those areas and districts that have limited coronavirus cases and have not shown a fresh surge in such cases are classified under Orange Zone.

A hotspot district can turn into an 'Orange Zone' if no fresh cases are reported in 14 days.

When does a district make it to Green Zone from Red Zone?

A district will be considered under Green Zone, if there are no confirmed cases so far or there is no reported case since last 21 days, said the guidelines issued by the Health Ministry.

How do I know which zone my area comes under?

In a list released on 30 April, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s has marked districts across India into 130 Red Zones, 284 Orange Zones and 319 Green Zones –to combat the corornavirus pandemic.

However, it is the state government's classification that can be more useful to you.

Every week, the district magistrate releases the list of areas and the respective zones within their juridsdiction.

For example, while Delhi as a whole comes under Red Zone, the city is further divided into different zones. As on 28 April, Delhi had 99 containment zones, including Mayurdhwaj Apartment in IP Extension, Vardhman Apartment in Mayur Vihar, four blocks in Dilshad Garden, among others.