Govt approves further relaxations in Unlock-4 guidelines

NEW DELHI | AUG 29, 2020:

The Home Ministry today has issued guidelines for Unlock 4 allowing for more opening of activities outside of containment zones which will come into effect from September 1.

Metro rail will be allowed to operate with effect from September 7 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 September 21. However, such limited gatherings can be held with the mandatory wearing of face masks, physical distancing, provision for thermal scanning and hand wash or sanitizer.

Open-air theatres will be permitted to open with effect from September 21.

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 September 30. Online or distance learning shall continue to be permitted and encouraged.

Lockdown will continue to be implemented strictly in the Containment Zones till September 30. 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.

National Directives for COVID-19 management shall continue to be followed throughout the country, to ensure social distancing. Shops will need to maintain adequate physical distancing among customers. The Home Ministry will monitor the effective implementation of National Directives.

Vulnerable persons, persons above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years, are advised to stay at home, except for meeting essential requirements and for health purposes.