Unlock 2.0 guidelines released, schools & colleges to remain shut till 31 July

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued new guidelines for Unlock 2.0 starting from 1 July. As per the guidelines, lockdown in all containment zones are to be strictly implemented till 31 July, but outside the containment zones, more activities will be opened up in phased manner.

After extensive consultation with the states and UTs, it was decided that schools, colleges and coaching institutions will remain closed till 31 July. International air travel of passengers has been permitted in a limited manner under the Vande Bharat mission.

The guidelines are based on the feedback received from the states and UTs and consultation with the Central ministries and Departments. Salient features of this Unlock 2.0 are: The operation of domestic flights and passenger trains, which have already been allowed in a limited manner, will be expanded further in a calibrated manner. Night curfew timings are being further relaxed from 10 pm to 5 am to ensure seamless operation of industrial units in multiple shifts and movement of persons and goods on national and state highways. Shops, depending on their area, can have more than five persons at a time, but social distancing has to be followed.

Decision on opening up of Metro Rail, cinema halls, gymnasium, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatre, bars auditorium, assembly halls, Social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural-religious functions, and other large congregations, will be taken later based on the assessment of the situation.

Activities in the containment zones shall be monitored strictly by the state/UT and the guidelines related to the containment measures in these zones will be strictly implemented. MOHFW will monitor the proper delineation of containment zones and implementation of the containment measures. States and UTs based on their assessment of the situation may prohibit certain activities outside the containment zones. However, there will be no restriction on the inter-state and intrastate movement of people and goods. No separate permission/ approval/e-permit will be required for such movements.