(Image source from: sakshi.com)
Unlock 2.0 is going to end on July 31 and MHA has come up with its new set of guidelines for Unlock 3.0.
The Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday announced the guidelines of Unlock 3.0 which is scheduled to be commenced from August 1. The guidelines have been issued on MHA’s website.
Under the new guidelines issued, some changes have been made and the major change in this Unlock is the removal of night curfew that was in force from 11 pm to 5 am as per Unlock 2.0.
However, the national directives for COVID-19 management shall continue to be in operation throughout the country with a view to ensure social distancing.
Shops will also need to maintain adequate social distancing. Containment zones will be thoroughly monitored and lockdown is still intact in the containment areas of the country. States shall issue the list of containment zones where lockdown will be implemented.
Here’s what is allowed and not allowed under Unlock 3.0
Some major changes have been made under Unlock 3.0 and many relaxations will come into force from August 1 across the country though the country is seeing highest spike in number of coronavirus cases daily.
However, the recovery rate of coronavirus in India is high, about 78%, which is a sign of relief to the country.
Gyms and Yoga Training Institutes will open from August 5
As per the guidelines issued by MHA, Yoga institutes and gymnasiums are allowed to reopen the institutes after almost 4 months of non functioning. In this regard, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) will be issued by the Ministry of health and family welfare to ensure social distancing and to contain the spread of the virus.
All institutes must follow these measures for the safety of themselves and the customers.
Schools and Colleges to remain shut till August 31
Though some of the officials agreed upon reopening of schools and colleges, the government has consulted many parents and took their opinion on sending their children to schools and colleges.
Many of the parents were not willing to send their students to schools and wanted to continue the online mode of education.
After careful consideration of parents’ opinions and the current pandemic situation, MHA has decided to close the schools and colleges till August 31, 2020.
Metro Rail will remain closed across the country
As coronavirus has the highest chance of spreading in enclosed spaces and through AC ducts, the government has decided to shut metro rails in the country till August 31.
Recently, the WHO has also acknowledged the air borne spread of COVID-19. In the wake of this acknowledgement, it will be unsafe to reopen metro rails.
International Air Travel of Passengers permitted
Same as in the guidelines of Unlock 2.0, Unlcok 3.0 will also see international flights operating under Vande Bharat mission only. This means, only specific flights under this mission will be allowed to operate first.
Thereafter, further opening up of remaining flights will take place in a phased manner.
Cinemas to remain closed
Though there were speculations that cinema halls will go operational from August 5, 2020 with 25% seating capacity, government has rules out the option and decided to close the theatres till August 31 for the safety of everyone.
Also, swimming pools, bars, auditoriums, assembly halls, amusement parks and similar other places will remain closed.
Night Curfew removed
In what comes as a major decision by the government, night curfew has been removed in the entire country. People and movement of vehicles will not be restricted even after 11 pm.
By Gayatri Yellayi
