Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday issued new guidelines allowing more activities in areas outside the Containment Zones.
In Unlock 3.0, which will come into effect from August 1, 2020, the process of phased re-opening of activities has been extended further.
The new guidelines, issued on Wednesday, are based on feedback received from States and UTs, and extensive consultations held with related central ministries and departments, the MHA said.
Restrictions on movement of individuals during night (night curfew) have been removed.
Yoga institutes and gymnasiums will be allowed to open from August 5, 2020. In this regard, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be issued by the Union Home Ministry for ensuring social distancing and to contain the spread of COVID19.
Independence Day functions will be allowed with social distancing and by following other health protocols, e.g., wearing of masks, etc.
In this regard, instructions issued by MHA on July 21, 2020 shall be followed, the MHA said in its guidelines.
After extensive consultation with states and UTs, it has been decided that schools, colleges and coaching institutions will remain closed till August 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, the MHA said.
As per the guidelines, Metro Rail, cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places will remain closed.
Social/ political/ sports/ entertainment/ academic/ cultural/ religious functions and other large congregations have not been permitted.
“Dates for opening of these will be decided separately, based on the assessment of the situation,” the MHA said.
Lockdown shall continue to be implemented strictly in the Containment Zones till August 31, 2020, the Home Ministry said.
Containment Zones are required to be carefully demarcated by the State/ UT Governments with a view to contain the spread of COVID19, after taking into consideration the guidelines issued by MOHFW.
Within the containment zones, strict perimeter control shall be maintained and only essential activities allowed.
These Containment Zones will be notified on the websites of the respective district collectors and by the states/ UTs and information will also be shared with the Union Health Ministry.
Activities in the Containment Zones shall be monitored strictly by state and UT authorities, and the guidelines relating to containment measure in these zones shall be strictly implemented.
The Union Health Ministry will monitor the proper delineation of Containment Zones and implementation of the containment measures.
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, said the MHA guidelines.
“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 guidelines said.
National directives for COVID19 management shall continue to be followed throughout the country, with a view to ensure social distancing.
Shops will need to maintain adequate physical distancing among customers.
MHA will monitor the effective implementation of national directives.
“Vulnerable persons, i.e., persons above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women, and children below the age of 10 years, are advised to stay at home, except for meeting essential requirements and for health purposes,” said the MHA guidelines.
The use of Aarogya Setu mobile application will continue to be encouraged, it added.