New Delhi – The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued new guidelines for opening up of more activities in areas outside the Containment Zones. In Unlock 4, which will come into effect from September 1, 2020, the process of phased re-opening of activities has been extended further.
The new guidelines, issued , are based on feedback received from States and UTs, and extensive consultations held with related Central Ministries and Departments.
Metro rail will be allowed to operate with effect from 7th September in a graded manner, by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Ministry of Railways in consultation with the Home Ministry. Standard Operating Procedure, SOP in this regard will be issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
Social, academic, sports, entertainment, cultural, religious, political functions and other congregations will be permitted with a ceiling of 100 persons, from 21st of September. However, such limited gatherings can be held with mandatory wearing of face masks, social distancing, provision for thermal scanning and hand wash or sanitizer.
Open air theatres will be permitted to open with effect from 21 st of September.
The Home Ministry said, after extensive consultation with States and UTs, it has been decided that Schools, colleges, educational and coaching institutions will continue to remain closed for students and regular class activity up to 30th September. Online or distance learning shall continue to be permitted and shall be encouraged.
Lockdown will continue to be implemented strictly in the Containment Zones till 30th of September. All activities shall be permitted outside Containment Zones, except cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres excluding open air theatre and similar places and international air travel of passengers, except as permitted by Home Ministry.
There will be no restriction on inter-state and intra-state movement of persons and goods. No separate permission or approval or e-permit will be required for such movements.
The Home Ministry advised states not to impose any local lockdown outside Containment Zones.
