New Delhi (NVI): The Union Ministry of Home Affairs issued guidelines for ‘Unlock 2’, the second phase of re-opening activities in areas outside containment zones, which will be applicable between July 1 and July 31 after the ‘Unlock 1’ phase ends on June 30.
The new guidelines, issued are based on feedback received from States and UTs, and extensive consultations held with related Central Ministries and Departments, the ministry of home affairs (MHA) said in a statement.
The salient features of the new guidelines for Unlock 2 are as follows:
- Domestic flights and passenger trains have already been allowed in a limited manner. Their operations will be further expanded in a calibrated manner.
- Night curfew timings are being further relaxed and curfew shall be in force from 10.00 pm to 5.00 am. Further, relaxations in night curfew have been given for seamless operation of industrial units in multiple shifts, movement of persons and goods on National and State Highways, loading and unloading of cargo and movement of persons to their destinations after disembarking from buses, trains and airplanes.
- Shops depending upon their area, can have more than 5 persons at a time. However, they have to maintain adequate physical distance.
- Training institutions of the Central and State Governments will be allowed to function with effect from July 15, 2020. SOP in this regard will be issued by the Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India.
- After extensive consultation with States and UTs, it has been decided that schools, colleges and coaching institutions will remain closed till July 31, 2020.
- International air travel of passengers has been permitted in a limited manner under the Vande Bharat mission. Further opening up will take place in a calibrated manner.
All activities, except the following, shall be permitted outside containment zones:
1. Metro Rail.
2. Cinema halls, gymnasiums, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places.
3. Social/ political/ sports/ entertainment/ academic/ cultural/ religious functions and other large congregations.
“Dates for opening of these will be decided separately, based on the assessment of the situation”, the ministry said.
Meanwhile, lockdown shall continue to be implemented strictly in the containment zones till July 31, 2020. States and UTs, based on their assessment of the situation, may prohibit certain activities outside the containment zones, or impose such restrictions as deemed necessary.
However, there shall 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.
The Centre also said that persons above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women, and children below the age of 10 years, should stay at home, except for meeting essential requirements and for health purposes.
The use of Aarogya Setu mobile application will continue to be encouraged, the MHA stated in its order.
-RJV
