The Union Home Ministry has issued guidelines for Unlock-3. Under this, the ban on movement of people at night has been lifted. Yoga institutes and gyms will be allowed to open from August 5. All crowd gathering programs, including social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural, religious, will continue to be banned.
Schools, colleges and coaching institutes have been directed to remain closed till 31 August. According to the guidelines, restrictions will continue on metro rail, cinema hall, swimming pool, amusement park, theater, bar, auditorium, assembly hall and other such places. All activities other than these restrictions will be allowed at locations outside the Containment Zone.
The third phase of unlock will allow the organization of Independence Day programs with instructions to follow social distancing and other health standards. During this time it will be mandatory to follow the health guidelines issued by the Union Home Ministry along with rules like wearing masks.
Lockdown in Containment Zones to Continue Till August 31
The lockdown will remain strictly in force till 31 August in the Containment Zone. During this time only necessary services and activities will be allowed at these places. Containment zones will be reported on the websites of the respective districts and states. Instructions for strict surveillance are given here.
Along with this, the Ministry of Home Affairs has allowed international air travel in a limited manner under the Vande Bharat Mission. The ministry has said that the movement of other international flights will be started in a phased manner.
There will be no restriction on transportation of people and goods within interstate and states. No separate permission, clearance or e-permit will be required for such activities. Restrictions on consumption of alcohol, drink, gutkha and tobacco in public places will continue.
Operation of passenger trains and labor special trains, domestic passenger airlines, movement of Indian nationals stranded outside the country and foreign travel of people under special circumstances, return of foreign nationals and movement of Indian seafarers in this regard may be issued.
States will decide on activities outside the prohibited areas. States and Union Territories may prohibit certain activities outside of prohibited areas or implement such restrictions, depending on their assessment of the situation. Shopkeepers must maintain the appropriate social distance law among customers.
According to the guidelines, people above 65 years of age, people with serious illnesses, pregnant women and children below 10 years have been advised to stay indoors. They should only opt out due to urgent circumstances or health reasons. Use of the Arogya Setu app will continue to be encouraged.
On Independence Day, ‘at home’ celebrations will be allowed along with the rule of social distance. These include other health protocols such as wearing masks. According to the ministry, the number of guests at wedding ceremonies should not exceed 50. No more than 20 people will attend the funeral.
