New guidelines for Unlock-2 to open up more activities in areas outside Containment Zones comes into effect today

New guidelines for Unlock-2 to open up more activities in areas outside the Containment Zones will come into effect today. The process of phased re-opening of activities has been extended further. It said, the lockdown will continue to be implemented strictly in the Containment Zones till 31st of July this year. Home Ministry has said that the new guidelines are based on feedback received from States and UTs, and extensive consultations held with related Central Ministries and Departments.

Under the new guidelines of Unlock -2, Metro Rail service, operation of Cinema halls, gymnasiums, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places will not be allowed. Similarly, social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural and religious functions and other large congregations will not be permitted.

The Ministry said, dates for opening of these will be decided separately, based on the assessment of the situation. It said, all activities, except these will be permitted outside containment zones. The Ministry said, after extensive consultations with States and Union Territories, it has been decided that schools, colleges and coaching institutions will remain closed till 31st of July.

Also Read: MHA issues new Guidelines for Unlock 2: New guidelines will come into effect from July 1, 2020

As per the guidelines, night curfew timings are being further relaxed and curfew shall be in force from 10 PM to 5 AM. Further, relaxations in night curfew have been given for seamless operation of industrial units in multiple shifts, movement of persons and goods on National and State Highways, loading and unloading of cargo and movement of persons to their destinations after disembarking from buses, trains and airplanes. It said, domestic flights and passenger trains have already been allowed in a limited manner and their operations will be further expanded in a calibrated manner. It said, shops depending upon their area, can have more than 5 persons at a time. However, they have to maintain adequate physical distance.

Training institutions of the Central and State Governments will be allowed to function with effect from 15th of July. SOP in this regard will be issued by the Department of Personnel and Training.

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 guidelines said, containment Zones are required to be carefully demarcated by the State Governments with a view to contain the spread of COVID-19, after taking into consideration the guidelines issued by the Health Ministry. 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 concerned District Collectors and by the States and information will also be shared with Union Health Ministry. It said, activities in the Containment Zones will be monitored strictly by the State authorities, and the guidelines relating to containment measure in these zones will be strictly implemented.

The Union Health Ministry will monitor the proper delineation of Containment Zones and implementation of the containment measures. AIR correspondent reports that the new guidelines said that 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.

However, there shall be no restriction on inter-State and intra-State movement of persons and goods. No separate permission, approval and e-permit will be required for such movements. National Directives for COVID-19 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.

Home Ministry will monitor the effective implementation of National Directives. Vulnerable persons, 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. The use of Aarogya Setu mobile application will continue to be encouraged.