MHA Guidelines Lockdown: The current phase of re-opening will have an economic focus, centre said.
The nationwide coronavirus lockdown has been extended to June 30, the Home Ministry said on Saturday evening. Dubbing the fifth phase of the lockdown "Unlock 1, which will have an economic focus", the ministry said a decision had been taken to "re-open prohibited activities in a phased manner in areas outside containment zones". These will be allowed in three stages, the ministry said, adding that each would only be allowed if Health Ministry SOPs are followed. Activities listed in the second and third stages will only be permitted after assessing the on-ground situation at that time and in consultation with states and union territories, the home ministry added.
Here are the 10 takeaways from Lockdown 5 guidelines:
In the first stage of lockdown relaxation, religious places, hotels and restaurants, and shopping malls will be allowed from June 8.
In the second, schools, colleges and other educational institutions will be re-opened. However, this is only after discussions with all stakeholders, including parents. The final decision will be taken in July.
In the third phase, international air travel may be re-started, with exceptions as listed by the Home Ministry. Metro services may also be re-started in this phase.
Cinema halls, gyms, swimming pools, theatres, bars and other places of assembly may be allowed in the third stage. Social, political, sporting, cultural and religious functions, as well as all other large congregations, may also be allowed at this time.
Night curfew hours - previously enforced from 7 PM to 7 AM across the country - have been reduced to 9 PM to 5 AM, except for essential activities.
There shall be no restriction on inter-state and intra-state movement of persons and goods. No separate permission or e-permit will be required for such movement. However, states and union territories can, for reasons of public health and given COVID-19 cases in its area, can place such restrictions, but only after wide publicity in advance.
Use of the Aarogya Setu app, the government's contentious contact-tracing software, has been promoted. All employers are urged, on "best effort basis", to ensure their employees have installed the app.
Persons above 65, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below 10 are advised to stay at home, except for essential and health purposes. Research has indicated the COVID-19 virus may affect these sections of the society most severely.
Under the National Directives for COVID-19 Management, wearing of face masks (or cover) and maintaining social distancing remains mandatory in all public places, workplaces and during transportation.
The work-from-home policy should be followed as far as possible, the Home Ministry said. Reiterating rules for earlier phases of lockdown, it also called for staggering of working hours for all offices, shops and commercial establishments.
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