NEW DELHI: The home ministry on Tuesday said social sector services excluded from the lockdown covered bedside attendants and caregivers of senior citizens residing in their homes. The exemption for public utilities extends to prepaid mobile recharge, it was further clarified.In a clarification on the consolidated guidelines issued by the home ministry on April 15, the Home Secretary told the states/UTs that public utilities exempted from the lockdown measures included recharge facilities for pre-paid mobile connections.In addition, bedside attendants and caregivers of senior citizens could work during the lockdown subject to social distancing and other norms as prescribed in the National Covid-19 Directives and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).Essential goods exempted from lockdown measures would include food processing units such as bread factories, milk processing plants, flour mills, dal mills etc. located in urban areas, it has been clarified.“However, as specified in the lockdown measures, National Covid-19 Directives and SOPs for social distancing for offices, workshops, factories and establishments must be ensured,” stated the home secretary.The fresh clarification on the guidelines comes in the wake of queries received with regard to exemptions of specific services/activities within the categories already allowed in the guidelines.The home ministry has asked district authorities and field agencies to be informed about the aforesaid clarification to avoid ambiguity at the ground level.