The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on July 29 issued new guidelines for opening up of more activities in areas outside containment zones, as a part of Unlock 3.0, which will come into effect from August 1.

The process of phased re-opening of activities has been extended further.

The new guidelines, issued today, are based on feedback received from states and Union Territories (UTs), and extensive consultations held with related central ministries and departments, the government said.

As per the guidelines, yoga institutes and gymnasiums will be allowed to open from August 5, 2020; the Health Ministry will issue a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for this.

Schools, colleges and coaching institutions will remain closed till August 31, 2020, the order mentioned.

The order clearly states that the following activities will not be allowed during Unlock 3.0:

1. Metro Rail

2. Cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places.

3. Social/ political/ sports/ entertainment/ academic/ cultural/ religious functions and other large congregations.

It said that the dates for reopening these will be decided later based on the assessment of the situation.

The guidelines also stated that containment zones shall strictly observe lockdown August 31, and that the state government shall demarcate these zones.

The Centre directed the states governments to allow/prohibit activities outside containment zones after proper assessment of the situation.

However, it clarified that 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, MHA said in it order.

The ministry further reiterated that vulnerable persons – senior citizens, pregnant women, children below the age of 10 years – are advised yo stay at home, and the use of Aarogya Setu app is encouraged.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on July 29 issued new guidelines for opening up of more activities in areas outside containment zones, as a part of Unlock 3.0, which will come into effect from August 1.

The process of phased re-opening of activities has been extended further.

The new guidelines, issued today, are based on feedback received from states and Union Territories (UTs), and extensive consultations held with related central ministries and departments, the government said.

As per the guidelines, yoga institutes and gymnasiums will be allowed to open from August 5, 2020; the Health Ministry will issue a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for this.

Schools, colleges and coaching institutions will remain closed till August 31, 2020, the order mentioned.

The order clearly states that the following activities will not be allowed during Unlock 3.0:

1. Metro Rail

2. Cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places.

3. Social/ political/ sports/ entertainment/ academic/ cultural/ religious functions and other large congregations.

It said that the dates for reopening these will be decided later based on the assessment of the situation.

The guidelines also stated that containment zones shall strictly observe lockdown August 31, and that the state government shall demarcate these zones.

The Centre directed the states governments to allow/prohibit activities outside containment zones after proper assessment of the situation.

However, it clarified that 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, MHA said in it order.

The ministry further reiterated that vulnerable persons – senior citizens, pregnant women, children below the age of 10 years – are advised yo stay at home, and the use of Aarogya Setu app is encouraged.