Unlock 3.0 Guidelines issued: Night Curfew Lifted, Gyms Permitted To Operate From Aug 5

New Delhi, July 30: In a process for opening up more activities in areas outside the Containment Zones, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday evening issued new guidelines for the Unlock 3.0 phase which will come into effect from August 1, 2020. The new guidelines, issued on Wednesday, are based on feedback received from States and UTs, and extensive consultations held with related Central Ministries and Departments.

 

 

 

Under the new guidelines, night curfew has been removed from across the country meanwhile the lockdown will continue to be strictly implemented in containment zones to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. Yoga institutes and gymnasiums will be allowed to open from 5 August. In this regard, 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.

 

 

 

The Independence Day functions shall be celebrated with social distancing and other health protocols. However, schools, colleges, and coaching institutions will remain closed until August 31. Moreover, facilities like Metro Rail, cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, auditoriums, and assembly halls will remain closed. Large congregations too will continue to remain prohibited. The MHA has also reiterated that Work from Home should be encouraged as far as possible.

 

On the other hand, within the containment zones, strict perimeter control shall be maintained only essential activities are allowed in such areas, with the movement of people is allowed only for medical emergencies and for maintaining the supply of essential goods and services. Persons above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women, and children below the age of 10 have been advised to stay at home.

 

Outside the containment zones, most activities are allowed, apart from those ordered to be closed by the MHA. Activities in the Containment Zones shall be monitored strictly by State and UT authorities, and the guidelines relating to containment measures in these zones shall be strictly implemented.

 

International air travel has been permitted in a phased manner under the Vande Bharat Mission. Further, the MHA also encouraged the use of the Aarogya Setu contact tracing app to help combat the highly contagious disease. Meanwhile, States and Union Territories, based on their assessment of the situation, may prohibit certain activities outside the Containment zones, or impose such restrictions as deemed necessary.