The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued Unlock 3.0 guidelines to further reopen the economy amid the coronavirus pandemic. Restrictions on the movement of individuals during night-time have been removed. However, strict enforcement of lockdown in containment zones has been extended till 31 August. The new guidelines will be in effect from 1 August.
As per the new guidelines, it has been decided that schools, colleges and coaching institutions will remain closed till 31 August. Apart from that, yoga institutes and gymnasiums will be allowed to open from 5 August 2020. However, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) for ensuring social distancing and to contain the spread of Covid-19.
In Unlock 3.0, the government has made it clear that international air travel of passengers has been permitted in a limited manner under the Vande Bharat mission. Further opening up will take place in a calibrated manner.
The MHA said that all activities will be permitted outside containment zones except Metro services, cinema halls and swimming pools, entertainment parks, bars, theatres, auditoriums and other social gathering places.
The guidelines also stated that containment zones shall strictly observe lockdown 31 August, and that the state governments shall demarcate these zones. The Centre directed the states governments to allow/prohibit activities outside containment zones after proper assessment of the situation. Within the containment zones, strict perimeter control shall be maintained and only essential activities allowed.
In these guidelines, the MHA also stated that states and UTs, based on their assessment of the situation, may prohibit certain activities outside the containment zones, or impose such restrictions as deemed necessary. However, there shall be no restriction on inter-state and intra-state movement of persons and goods. No separate permission/ approval/ e-permit will be required for such movements.
The ministry further went on to say that vulnerable persons—senior citizens, pregnant women, children below the age of 10 years— are advised to stay at home, and the use of Aarogya Setu application shall be continued to be encouraged.