New Delhi: As we approach the end of the fourth phase of relaxation of the coronavirus lockdown, speculation has increased about what the next phase could look like, which begins on October 1. While the West Bengal government has announced the reopening of movie theaters, the central government has yet to announce guidelines for the rest of the country. Also read: day after explaining the ‘challenge’ to the government, the executive director of the Serum Institute applauds Modi for his vision of providing a vaccine to the global community
In the recent virtual meeting with the chief ministers of the seven most affected states, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the need to implement “micro-containment” zones rather than imposing local closures and curfews one or two days a week. Also Read: Bigg Boss 13 Fame Himanshi Khurana Tests Positive COVID-19 After Participating In Farmers’ Protest In Punjab
As the holiday season approaches, the Center is likely to announce a series of relaxations, opening more activities to the public. But before delving into what can be relaxed, it’s important to consider what curfews will look like later on. Also read: Uma Bhart tests positive for COVID-19, urges contacts to get tested
What are micro-containment zones?
The micro-containment zones aim to seal off a particular area as small as a building that has recently reported COVID-19 cases. This prevents economic activities or movement to and from most of the area from being shut down.
The Home Office had specified in its Unblocking 4 guidelines that individual states cannot impose blockades themselves without consulting the Center.
This is everything we can expect from Unlock 5.0:
Economic activities
While restaurants, shopping malls, lounges and gyms were allowed to resume this month, more economic activities may be allowed starting in October with physical distancing.
The Prime Minister also urged states to re-evaluate containments and closures in a way that slows the spread of COVID. “Because of this, economic activity should not face problems … We have to increase our focus on effective testing, treatment and surveillance, and clear messages,” he said.
Cinemas
Despite the high hopes and fervent requests of the Multiplex Association of India, the MHA did not allow the resumption of movie theaters, other than just open-air cinemas, to reopen in September.
However, it should be noted that the secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Amit Khare, had last month suggested to the MHA a layout formula for cinemas. Under the plan, alternate seats in the first and next row will remain vacant to maintain social distancing.
Notably, West Bengal became the first state to officially announce the resumption of movie theaters, along with all musical, dance, recital and magic shows from October 1, “with 50 participants or less” .
tourism
The tourism sector, which is still struggling to recover from the severe losses faced in the last five months, October may change the current state, as tourist destinations are finally opening their doors to travelers.
Recently, the Uttarakhand government allowed tourists to enter the state without any negative reports or institutional quarantine rules.
Academic
Schools have already started on a voluntary basis for students in classes 9-12 and the same is likely to continue for the next month. As of now, primary classes are likely to remain closed and the same will continue through online mode.
Universities and colleges have begun taking entrance exams and the new academic year can begin through online classes.
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