The Union Ministry of the Interior issued on Saturday the Unblocking 4 guidelines according to which metro trains will be allowed to resume services from September 7 in a staggered manner, while social and religious congregations of up to 100 people will be allowed. as of September 21.
However, schools, universities and other educational and training institutions will remain closed to students until September 30, with some relaxations for students in classes 9-12.
With these guidelines, the government has allowed more activities outside of the containment zones, but has kept some things unchanged.
What’s new in the Unlock 4 guidelines?
• The metro trains, which have been closed since March, when the first phase of the closure came into effect, have been able to resume their services as of September 7. The resumption, however, will be gradual, the Center said in its guidelines. In this regard, the Center will subsequently publish the Standard Operating Procedure.
• The bars, which have been closed since March, will be able to open from September 1.
• In a significant directive, the Interior Ministry said that state governments will not impose any local closures outside of containment zones without prior consultation with the central government.
• Social, academic, sports, entertainment, cultural, religious, political functions and other congregations will be allowed with a maximum limit of 100 people, starting on September 21, but the organizers must ensure that the rules of social distancing and the use of masks.
• Students in classes 9-12 may be allowed to visit their schools in areas outside of the containment zones only on a voluntary basis to receive guidance from their teachers.
• Open air theaters will be allowed from September 21.
What remains unchanged?
• Apart from some relaxations for students in classes 9 to 12, schools, universities and other educational and training institutions will remain closed until September 30.
• Movie theaters, swimming pools, amusement parks, theaters, and similar venues will be closed.
• International passenger air travel will not be allowed, except as permitted by the Ministry of the Interior.
• There will be no restrictions on the interstate and intrastate movement of people and goods. No separate electronic permission, approval or permission will be required for such moves.
• Vulnerable people (over 65, people with comorbidities, pregnant women, and children under 10) have been advised to stay home.
• The use of the Aarogya Setu mobile application will continue to be encouraged, in accordance with the guidelines.
The coronavirus-induced nationwide lockdown was first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi starting on March 25 and was extended in phases until May 31.
The unblocking process had started on June 1 with the gradual reopening of commercial, social, religious and other activities.
Unlock 4 will go into effect on September 1 and will continue until September 30.
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