Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 30: The ministry of home affairs has announced a detailed guideline for Unlock 5 effective from October 1. Although coronavirus cases in the country are on a rise the Centre has maintained that there would be more relaxations and fewer restrictions. While, the country begins reopening different sectors in phases, the local administrations in some states are relying on voluntary curfew, local lockdowns etc.

As per the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the process of re-opening of activities has been extended further outside the containment zones. The new guidelines, issued on Wednesday, are based on feedback received from states and UTs, and discussions between central ministries and departments.

Relaxations from October 15, in areas outside the containment zones:

• Cinemas/ theatres/ multiplexes will be permitted to open with upto 50 per cent of their seating capacity, for which, SOP will be issued by Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
• Business to Business (B2B) Exhibitions will be permitted to open, for which, SOP will be issued by the Department of Commerce.
• Swimming pools being used for training of sportspersons will be permitted to open, for which the standard operating procedure (SOP) will be issued by Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MoYA&S).  
• Entertainment parks and similar places will be permitted to open, for which the SOP will be issued by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW).

Opening of schools, colleges, education institutions and coaching institutions

For re-opening of schools and coaching institutions, state/UT governments have been given the flexibility to take a decision after October 15, in a phased manner. The decision will be taken in consultation with the respective school/ institution management, based on their assessment of the situation, and subject to the following conditions. Online learning will continue to be the preferred mode of teaching and shall be encouraged, the home ministry said.

Regulation of public gatherings

Social/ academic/ sports/ entertainment/ cultural/ religious/ political functions and other congregations have already been permitted with a ceiling of 100 persons, outside containment zones only.  Now state/UT governments have been given the flexibility to permit such gatherings beyond the limit of 100 persons, outside containment zones, after October 15, which will be subject to certain conditions. In closed spaces, a maximum of 50 per cent of the hall capacity will be allowed, with a ceiling of 200 persons. Wearing of face masks, maintaining social distancing, provision for thermal scanning and use of hand wash or sanitiser will be mandatory.

States not to impose any local lockdown outside containment zones

State/UT governments will not impose any local lockdown (state/district/sub-division/city/village level), outside the containment zones, without prior consultation with the Central government.

No restriction on Inter-State and intra-state movement

There will be no restriction on inter-state and intra-state movement of persons and goods. No separate permission/ approval/ e-permit will be required for such movements.

Protection for vulnerable persons

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

Use of Aarogya Setu

The use of Aarogya Setu mobile application will continue to be encouraged.