India went on a complete nationwide lockdown on March 25 to curb the spread of novel coronavirus. In order to bring back the normalcy, the government has been gradually issuing the Unlock guidelines. Subsequently, the Ministry of Home Affairs has on Wednesday issued Unlock 3.0 guidelines which include allowing gymnasiums and yoga institutes to function from August 5 and revoking night curfew even as all other activities banned earlier continue to remain prohibited.
“In Unlock 3, which will come into effect from August 1, the process of phased re-opening of activities has been extended further. The new guidelines, issued today, are based on feedback received from States and UTs, and extensive consultations held with related Central Ministries and Departments,” the MHA stated on Wednesday.
However, as per the guidelines, Movie theatres, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bar and auditoriums will remain closed until August 31.
“The dates for the reopening of such facilities services will be decided separately based on the assessment of the situation” said the MHA.
The new guidelines include the following:
What is permitted?
- The night curfew has been lifted
- Yoga institutes, gymnasiums will open from August 5. A standard operating procedure will be issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- Independence Day will be celebrated following social distancing
- International Air Travel has been permitted in a limited manner under Vande Bharat Mission
- There shall be no restriction on inter-state and intra-state movement of persons and goods and no separate permission, approval or e-permit will be required for such movements.
What is not permitted?
- Metro Rail Services
- Schools, colleges and coaching institutions will remain closed till August 31
- Cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places.
- Social/ political/ sports/ entertainment/ academic/ cultural/ religious functions and other large congregations.
- Vulnerable persons, people above 65 years of age, people 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.
Guidelines for Containments Zone
- Lockdown will be imposed in containment zone till 31 August 2020
- The strict social distancing and other norms have to followed
- Only essential services will be permitted
- These containment zones will be notified on the websites of the respective district collectors of the states and UTs and activities taking place in these zones will be strictly monitored by the authorities. States and UTs can impose its own guidelines outside the containment zones, which they deem necessary.
These guidelines will come on to effect from 1 August 2020 and they have been issued based on the feedback from States and Union Territories. The Ministry has also encouraged the use of Aaorogya Setu Application.
This news has been written and submitted by Ms. Agrima during her course of internship at B&B Associates LLP. Ms. Agrima is a third-year law student at Hidayatullah National Law University, Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
