Unlock 2.0 Guidelines Released: Schools, Colleges, Gyms, Cinemas to Be Closed Till July 31
The centre on Monday issued fresh guidelines further extending the process of 'Unlock'. After Unlock 1.0 where the government had eased the restrictions imposed on shopping malls, restaurants and other public places, the government has now decided to move to Unlock 2.0 beginning from July 1, with relaxations in night curfew, provisions for more domestic flights and trains, and allowing more than five people in a shop. However, lockdowns will continue in containment zones until July 31.
As per the fresh guidelines issued by government schools, colleges, gyms, metro rails, bars, auditoriums etc. would remain closed till further notification. An order issued by the Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla stated that as per the instructions from National Disaster Management Authority lockdown could be eased and more activities can be allowed in containment free zones.
The government has also given free hand to the states to decide if they want to impose more restrictions taking into considerations the condition of coronavirus spread in their states. However, they won't be allowed to seal the adjoining borders.
Standard operating procedures for all the states shall be issued to ensure social distancing and contain the spread of COVID-19. Domestic flights and passenger trains have already been allowed in a limited manner, but now their operations will further be expanded in a calibrated manner. International air travel has been permitted under the 'Vande Bharat' mission.
Curfew Rules
Movement of individuals shall be restricted between 10.00 pm to 5.00 am throughout the country. Only essential activities including operation of industrial units, movement of people and goods on national and state highways, loading and unloading of cargo, and travel pf persons to their destination after disembarking from train or buses shall be permitted during these hours. Apart from this many state governments have also announced weekends as curfew days, where no shops and offices will be allowed to operate.
Unlock 2.0 Rules
The government has issued different guidelines to be followed in areas outside the containment zone and in areas that come under the containment zone.
Unlock Rules in Areas Outside the Containment Zone
- Schools and colleges to remain closed until further notice. However, online classes and distance education can continue in the same manner.
- Training institutions shall be allowed to function from July 15. Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) shall issue the SOP for training institutions to follow.
- Apart from international flights under Vande Bharat, all international flights shall remain suspended.
- Metro rails, cinema halls, gyms, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places shall remain shut.
- All large congregations including social, religious, political, sports and entertainment functions will not be allowed to take place.
Unlock Rules in Containment Zones
- Lockdown and all its restrictions shall remain enforced in containment zones till July 31.
- The State and Union Territory governments have been asked to clearly demarcate the containment zones.
- Operation of essential activities shall only be allowed in these containment zones.
- Activities in the Containment Zones shall be monitored strictly by the State/UT authorities.
The government has also urged vulnerable people i.e., persons above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women, and children below the age of 10 years to stay indoors and move out only in case of medical emergencies. People with low immunity have also been advised to stay indoors.