Lockdown 5.0 has been announced by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). As per new guidelines issued today Lockdown 5.0 will be in force till June 30 in all containment zones. However, areas outside the containment zones will be re-opened in a phased manner.
Phase I – Starting from June 8, all religious places, malls, restaurants and hotels will be allowed to reopen.
However, there will be a night curfew from 9 PM to 5 AM throughout the country, except for essential items.
Phase II – MHA also stated that it will take a decision about opening educational institutions in the month of July. Such a decision will be taken only after consulting the state governments. The Centre has already advised the state administrations to take feedback from parents and other stakeholders. Thereafter, MoHFW will preapre SOPs for these institutions.
Some of the activities that will still remain prohibited throughout the country are:
- International air travel
- Operation of metro rail
- Cinema halls
- Gym centres
- Swimming pools
- Entertainment parks
- Theatres
- Bars & Auditoriums
- Assembly halls & similar places
- Large gatherings for any social/political/sports/cultural or for any other event.
In Phase III, after proper assessment a decision shall be taken for opening up the above mentioned activities. No dates have been announced for opening of the above services.
However, in all containment zones lockdown shall be strictly observed. Any new guidelines for the containment zones shall be issued only at the end of June.
The containment zones will be demarcated by the state/UT governments, after taking into considerations the guidelines issued by the Health Ministry.
