Ministry of Home Affairs issued orders extending lockdown in containment zones till June 30 and to reopen ‘prohibited’ activities in phased manner in areas outside these containment zones.
The ‘unlocking’ will be in three phases, with Phase I to allow the following activities from June 8: Religious places/places of worship; hotels, restaurants and other hospitality services; and shopping malls.
Standard operating procedures will be issued shortly for ensuring social distancing and to contain the spread of Covid-19.
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In Phase II, schools, colleges and educational/training/coaching institutions will be opened after consultations with States and Union Territories. A decision on these will be taken in July.
In Phase III, based on the assessment of the situation, dates for restarting the following activities will be decided: International air travel for passengers; Metro Rail; Cinema halls, gymnasiums, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars and auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places; social / political/ sports / entertainment / academic / cultural / religious functions and other large congregations.
One major decision of Lockdown 5.0 will be the revision of timings of the night curfew, from 9 pm to 5 am, instead of the current 7 pm to 6 am.
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There will also be no restrictions on inter and intra State movement of persons and goods. Movement of trains and evacuation of foreign/Indian nationals will continue as per SOPs issued, while the restrictions on persons above 65 years of age, persons with comorbidities, pregnant women and children below 10 years will continue.
Wearing of face covers will be compulsory in public places, in workplaces and during transport, while social distancing norms will continue. Work from Home practice has been stressed upon, while staggering of work/business hours too has been advised.