The country will reopen more from Thursday when schools, movie theaters, multiplexes, entertainment parks, swimming pools, all exterior containment areas, will reopen with the strict Covid-19 regulations in force. In its guidelines for the fifth phase of unblocking at the national level, on September 30, the Union Ministry of the Interior had given permission for these places to reopen from October 15.
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While the schools had partially reopened, voluntarily for classes 9-12 on September 21 during Unlock 4, no other locations were allowed to open.
The following relaxations will take effect from Thursday:
Schools: While the Center has approved the gradual reopening of schools, state governments will make the final decision. While most states, including Delhi and Maharashtra, have decided not to reopen schools for now, others such as Punjab and Uttar Pradesh have announced the reopening of schools: on October 15 in Punjab and on October 19 in Uttar Pradesh .
General guidelines for reopening schools issued by the central government include online / distance learning, written parental permission to attend, shift classes, flexibility in attendance, no evaluation for up to three weeks, etc.
Movie theaters / multiplexes: These can be reopened at 50% occupancy with adequate physical distance while sitting. Seats that are not to be occupied must be marked as such. Show schedules will be staggered and digital payment methods will be promoted.
In addition, a sufficient number of ticket counters will be open and advance booking will be allowed to avoid crowds. Only packaged food and beverages will be allowed.
Amusement parks: Cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces, open spaces, work areas, etc. It should be done before the parks open and after they close for the day, as well as at other appropriate times. There should be separate covered containers to dispose of used masks and covers. In addition, the pools of these parks will remain closed; however, water parks and those with water attractions must ensure regular and adequate filtration and chlorination of the water.
In addition, the park authorities must deploy adequate security personnel to manage queues inside and outside the facilities. Park management planning must take into account the size of the crowd, even during peak hours. To avoid crowding, proper ticket counters should be available and online booking should be encouraged.
Swimming pools: The SOPs for the reopening of swimming pools, published by the Ministry of Sports, establish that a maximum of only 20 swimmers can train during a session in an Olympic swimming pool. While swimmers have been ordered to submit a ‘mandatory self-declaration’, residential trainees will be required to submit a mandatory negative Covid-19 report.
Each training center will have a Covid-19 working group to guide and monitor trainees, trainers, and staff.
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