After more than two months of lockdown, the fifth phase of lockdown has given relief to the people. For the fifth phase; also termed as Unlock 1.0 , the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued new guidelines.
As per the new guidelines, all activities outside containment zones have been allowed to resume in a phased manner.
The guidelines have already come into effect and will be effective till June 30.
What does the new Guideline say?
In order to contain the spread of COVID-19 and at the same time revive the economy, the current phase of re-opening, ‘Unlock 1’ will follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), to be prescribed by the Health Ministry. The activities which were prohibited earlier will be opened up outside the containment zones but in a phased manner. Let’s have a look at what will be allowed in different phases of Lockdown 5.0 :-
Phase I
As a part of Phase I, permission to open religious places and places of worship for the public, hotels, restaurants, other hospitality services, and shopping malls will be granted from June 8.
The permission will be granted in accordance with the SOPs issued by the Health Ministry which will be given in consultation with the Central ministries/departments concerned and other stakeholders.
Phase II
In Phase II, after consultations with States and Union Territories (UT). schools, colleges, educational/training/coaching institutions etc, will be opened.
Consultations will be taken at the institution level with parents and other stakeholders on re-opening of educational institutes. And, on the basis of the feedback, a final call will be taken on the matter for which MoHFW will prepare SOPs.
Phase III
A decision on opening the activities which remains suspended throughout the country in Lockdown 5.0 will be taken. Although, containment zones will not be allowed to open but those zones will be demarcated by the state and UT governments after taking into consideration the guidelines issued by the Health Ministry.
Here is the list of activities which will remain suspended till Phase III unless a decision is taken by the authorities.
-International air travel of passengers
-Operation of 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.
Other Reliefs given by MHA
Although major relief has been given by MHA under Lockdown 5.0, it has been allowed with restrictions.
Unrestricted movement of persons and goods
Unlike the previous lockdowns, the home ministry has removed all restrictions on intra and inter-state movement of people. They will be allowed to move freely without any permission/approval/e-permit required. However, the night curfew will continue to remain in force. People will be prohibited to move from 9 pm to 5 am for things which are non-essential in nature.
National Directives for Covid-19 management
As per the new guidelines, in order to ensure social distancing, National Directives for Covid-19 management will continue to be followed throughout the country.
It will be a responsibility of the States to decide on activities outside the containment zones.
Protection for vulnerables
People who are vulnerable like those above 65 years of age, ones with co-morbidities, pregnant women, and children below the age of 10 years, have been advised to stay at home. They can step out if absolutely necessary like for meeting essential requirements and for health purposes.
