New Delhi (NVI): The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) today issued Unlock 5 guidelines and extended the nationwide Covid-19 lockdown to October 31. Under the new set of guidelines, cinema halls can open with up to 50% capacity and States can take a call on opening on schools from October 15.
Apart from that, States can now allow social, cultural and religious gatherings attended by more than 100 people.
Swimming pools can be used for training of sportspersons only. Business to Business (B2B) exhibitions will also be permitted to open from October 15.
The guidelines also say that in higher institutions, laboratories for those pursuing PhD or post-graduation in science and technology can open from October 15, while a decision to open all colleges “may be taken” by the Department of Higher Education with the MHA.
These guidelines will be effective from 1 October till the end of the month.
Most of the services including metro rail, gymnasiums, religious place, were already resumed in the fourth phase.
In addition to this, entertainment parks and similar places will be permitted to open but they will have to follow Covid-19 safety protocols on social distancing.
Online/distance learning shall continue to be the preferred mode of teaching and shall be encouraged. However, some students who prefer to attend online classes rather than physically attend schools may be permitted to do so.
-ARK
