The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday, issued guidelines for the second phase of lifting the nationwide lockdown termed as “Unlock 2”. The guidelines include opening up of activities in a phased manner outside containment zones across the country, till 31st July.
“States and Union Territories, based on their assessment of the situation may prohibit certain activities outside the containment zones, or impose such restrictions as deemed necessary,” read the MHA guideline. Outside the containment zones, the following activities which are banned till 31st July includes – Schools, colleges, educational institutions, and coaching institutions. Meanwhile, online education and distance learning will be permitted and encouraged.
On the other hand, the Central and State Government’s training institutions will be allowed to function from 15th July, for which Standard Operating Procedure will be issued by the Department of Personnel and Training. Further, ‘Unlock 2’ includes the expansion of domestic flights and passenger trains, which had been allowed in a limited manner under Unlock 1. Inter-state and intra-state movement of persons and vehicles will be allowed. No separate permission/ approval/ e-permit will be required for such movements.
As per the guidelines issued earlier on 30th May, the night curfew was from 9 PM which has now been modified from 10 PM to 5 AM throughout the country. The restriction on night travel is not applicable for essential activities, including operation of industrial units in multiple shifts, movement of persons and goods on State and National Highways, loading and unloading of cargo and travel of persons to their destinations after disembarking from buses, trains, and airplanes.
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 essential purposes. Aarogya Setu to ensure safety in offices and workplaces, employers on the best effort basis should ensure that the Aarogya Setu app is installed by all employees having compatible mobile phones. These guidelines have been issued by the Union Home Secretary in the capacity of Chairman of National Executive Committee under the National Disaster Management Act 2005, exercising powers under Section 10(2)(l) of the Act.
Meanwhile, States and Union Territories have been given the power to impose additional restrictions in areas outside containment zones based on local assessment of the situation.
