Criteria for Red, Orange, and Green Zones in India’s Corona Response

India's approach to managing the coronavirus pandemic has included a tiered system of categorized zones, designed to help contain the spread of the disease and guide public behavior. These zones, categorized as Red, Orange, and Green, are based on the number of active coronavirus cases within each district. Understanding these criteria is crucial for both residents and businesses as the situation evolves.

The Definition of Each Zone

Green Zones: These districts are characterized by a total absence of confirmed coronavirus cases over the past 21 days. This absence indicates a low risk of community transmission and allows for more relaxed restrictions compared to other zones.

Red Zones: Known as 'Hotspot districts,' these areas have high rates of active coronavirus cases with a rapid doubling rate of confirmed cases. They are subjected to stricter control measures to prevent further spread of the virus.

Orange Zones: These districts fall in the middle, neither falling under Red nor Green categorizations. They are characterized by a moderate number of cases or a high rate of cases that are not as high as those in Red Zones.

Criteria for Zone Classification

The classification of these zones is based on the number of active coronavirus cases. For most states, if the number of active cases is more than 15 in a district, it is classified as a Red Zone. Conversely, if the active cases are below 15, the district is classified as an Orange Zone. If there are no active cases for a continuous period of 21 days, the district is classified as a Green Zone.

Restrictions in Each Zone

Red Zones: In Red Zones, only essential medical services and stores that supply basic necessities (such as essential goods and medicines) are allowed to operate. All other businesses, including restaurants, wine shops, and non-essential stores, must remain closed. Movement within and out of the Red Zone is restricted except in emergencies, where special permission must be obtained from the authorities, such as during medical emergencies, construction work, or accessing banking services.

Orange Zones: In Orange Zones, businesses that are deemed as important and essential (such as banks, construction sites, and certain transportation services) can operate, while non-essential services continue to be restricted. However, the number of people allowed to be present in any enclosed space is capped, and social distancing measures must be strictly followed.

Green Zones: In Green Zones, the restrictions are the least stringent. Most businesses and stores can operate as long as they adhere to standard safety protocols and maintain social distancing. People in Green Zones can enjoy more freedom compared to those in Red and Orange Zones, reflecting the lower risk of community transmission.

Case Study: District of Kottayam

An example illustrating the criteria for these zones is the district of Kottayam. Currently, Kottayam is classified as a Red Zone. This classification is due to the recent spread of the virus caused by the following factors:

Three nurses who moved from Trivandrum to Kottayam and eventually spread the virus to their family members. A driver from Maharashtra who infected several individuals in the vegetable market. Travelers from Delhi who tested positive during quarantine. Two individuals who returned from Tamil Nadu and tested positive.

As of this writing, there are 17 confirmed cases in Kottayam, contributing to its current Red Zone status. The situation is closely monitored to see if the district can transition to an Orange or Green Zone based on the criteria outlined by the Government.

Conclusion

The system of Red, Orange, and Green zones in India is an effective tool for managing the pandemic by tailoring public health measures to different levels of risk within each district. This approach allows for a more precise and targeted response, minimizing the impact on the economy and daily life while ensuring public health safety.