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Unlock 3.0 relaxations might include reopening of cinema halls but with strict social distancing measures.
The COVID-19 restrictions on Unlock 2.0 are going to end on Friday, July 31. The government is now formulating Unlock 3.0 guidelines, which are set to be implemented from August 1.
After Unlock 1 and 2, Unlock 3.0 will ease some more restrictions imposed during the nationwide lockdown since March 24.
According to sources, cinema halls are likely to restart from August 1 but with stringent social distancing measures and other rules that would be formulated by the government.
Sources also say that gyms are also getting a green signal to start their operations from August 1 after a 4 month break. Recently, gym owners of Punjab have protested against the government for allowing malls to reopen but not gyms.
However, some restrictions will still be in place which includes schools and metro services. The decision on restarting state government-run local buses has not been discussed by the officials.
The Human Resource Development Ministry has consulted states on reopening the schools and the decision is awaited.
HRD Minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ has also sought the opinion of parents in reopening the schools in August and reportedly they were not willing to send their children to schools in anytime now.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has proposed the reopening of cinema halls to the ministry of Home affairs. The IB ministry has also consulted several owners of cinema halls before consulting the home affairs ministry.
However, cinema halls owners are willing to operate the theatres with 50 percent seating capacity and the ministry of Information and Broadcasting had suggested the owners to open the theatres with just 25 percent seating capacity.
Further, the IB ministry has asked the states to take independent decisions on reopening and seating capacities of cinema theatres with respect to the coronavirus case load in the state.
The gyms will be likely opened after a long gap and several measures will be taken for the good of customers. Reportedly, gym halls will be sanitized before and after a class. Hand sanitizers would be placed at the entry of the gym.
The strength per class would be reduced by half to ensure social distancing in the gyms. Metro rails however, have no chance of opening in the near future.
The complete guidelines and do’s and don’ts in Unlock 3 will; be released by the central government on August 1 in a detailed manner.
By Gayatri Yellayi
