Indian Government Announces ‘Unlock 5.0’ Guidelines

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued new guidelines on 30th September 2020 for opening up of more activities in areas outside the Containment Zones.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued new guidelines on Wednesday 30th September 2020 for opening up of more activities in areas outside the Containment Zones. The MHA said, “The new guidelines are based on feedback received from States and UTs, and extensive consultations held with related Central Ministries and Departments.” 

Activities permitted from 15th October in areas outside the Containment Zones:

  •  Cinemas/ theatres/ multiplexes will be permitted to open with upto 50% of their seating capacity. Separate rules will be issued by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.

  • Swimming pool for the training of sportspersons will be permitted to open. The rules will be issued by  Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MoYA&S).

  •  Entertainment parks and similar places will be permitted to open. Rules will be issued by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW).

  • State/ UT Governments shall not impose any local lockdown outside the containment zones, without consultation with the Central Government.

Re-opening of schools and educational institutions:

  • For the re-opening of schools and coaching institutions, State/UT Governments will decide after 15th October 2020. 

  • Higher Education Institutions only for research scholars (Ph. D) and post-graduate students in science and technology stream requiring laboratory/ experimental works will be permitted to open from 15th October. 

Rules on Gatherings:

  • Social/ academic/ sports/ entertainment/ cultural/ religious/ political functions and other congregations have already been permitted outside Containment Zones only. Now State/ UT Governments can decide to permit such gatherings beyond the limit of 100 persons outside Containment Zones after 15th October. They will have to follow the following rules: 

  • Maximum of 50% of the hall capacity will be allowed with a maximum of 200 persons. 

  • Wearing of face masks, maintaining social distancing, provision for thermal scanning and use of hand wash or sanitizer will be compulsory. 

  • To ensure that such gatherings do not spread COVID-19, State/ UT Governments will issue detailed rules. 

Activities Not Permitted: 

  • International air travel of passengers, except as permitted by MHA.

  • Lockdown shall continue to be implemented strictly in the Containment Zones till 31st October 2020.

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