A man walks his dog past graffiti on a road to raise awareness about staying home during an extended national lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Lucknow. (Reuters)
Prime Minister Modi last week asked states to re-evaluate whether the one- or two-day closures are effective in containing Covid-19 and told them to press ahead in full force to open up economic activities while fighting the virus.
- News18.com
- Last update: September 28, 2020 2:27 PM IST
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With the end of the fourth stage of the blockade, the Union Ministry of the Interior will soon announce a series of relaxations for October. Previously, in a key development, the MHA had allowed subway trains to resume service. The ministry had also said that further restrictions would be eased in the coming days and that activities would be allowed slowly in areas outside the containment zones. As industries look to turn a profit during the festival season, further relaxes are expected with Unlock 5.0, which goes into effect on October 1.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week asked states to re-evaluate whether the one- or two-day closures are effective in containing Covid-19 and told them to press ahead in full force to open up economic activities while fighting the virus. In this context, industries and sectors are fighting for greater relaxation of restrictions.
EXPECTED RELAXATION UNDER UNLOCK 5.0:
Previously, the Ministry of the Interior (MHA) had allowed public places such as restaurants, shopping malls and lounges to resume operations. Under the Unlock 5.0 guidelines, more activities are expected to be allowed starting in October with social distancing rules in place. However, despite repeated requests from the Multiplex Association of India, the MHA has only allowed open-air cinemas to open as of September 21. In particular, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Saturday that movie theaters and open-air cinemas will be allowed. It will operate in West Bengal from 1 October with a limited number of participants.
Meanwhile, the beleaguered tourism sector recently saw a marginal recovery with the reopening of tourist spots, including the Taj Mahal. The Odisha government announced on Sunday that it would reopen all resorts starting in October. The state’s tourism minister, JP Panigrahi, said his department had drawn up a master plan to promote various destinations in an attempt to attract tourists. Under the Unlock 5.0 guidelines, more tourist sites and places are expected to be open to people.
A decision was made about the resumption of normal classes in schools and universities and students in classes 9-12 were asked to attend schools from September 21 on a voluntary basis. The system is likely to continue for the next month. However, Hindustan Times, citing sources familiar with the events, reported that primary classes would remain closed for a few more weeks. Universities and colleges have already started their entrance exams and the new academic year can begin through the online mode.
KEY ANNOUNCEMENTS MADE UNDER UNLOCK 4.0:
The guidelines for Unlocking 4.0 at the national level came into effect on September 1 and allowed the opening of more activities outside the containment zones. Subway trains were also allowed to resume services in a staggered fashion from September 7. Social, academic, sports, entertainment, cultural, religious, political and other congregation functions were allowed with a maximum limit of 100 people and took effect from September 21. These limited gatherings can be conducted with the mandatory use of face masks, social distancing, provision for thermal scanning, and hand washing or sanitizers.
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