Unlock 3.0 guidelines: Gyms to open under new guidelines; night curfew removed

Guwahati: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday issued new guidelines opening up more activities in areas outside the Containment Zones as part of its Unlock 3.0 strategy.

In Unlock 3.0, which will come into effect from August 1, 2020, the process of phased re-opening of activities has been extended further by the Central Government. The new guidelines, issued today, are based on feedback received from States and UTs, and extensive consultations held with related Central Ministries and Departments. They are as follows:

Restrictions on the movement of individuals during the night have been removed.

Yoga institutes and gymnasiums will be allowed to open from August 5, 2020.

However, 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.

Independence Day functions will be allowed with social distancing and by following other health protocols, such as the wearing of masks.

International air travel of passengers has been permitted in a limited manner under the Vande Bharat mission. Further opening-up will take place in a calibrated manner.

All activities except the following shall be permitted outside containment zones:

Metro Rail.

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

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

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

The MHA has stated that in order to mitigate the spread of the virus, the lockdown shall continue to be implemented strictly in the Containment Zones till August 31, 2020.

According to the centre's directive, the Containment Zones are required to be carefully demarcated by the State/ UT Governments with a view to contain the spread of COVID-19, after taking into consideration the guidelines issued by the ministry of health.

Within the containment zones, strict perimeter control shall be maintained and only essential activities allowed.

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.

The MHA has said that the 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. However, there shall be no restriction on inter-State and intra-State movement of persons and goods and no separate permits shall be required.

The nationwide lockdown was first implemented by the Central Government to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. The first phase of the lockdown came into effect on March 25 after the Prime Minister made a declaration in his address to the nation. The curbs have subsequently been lifted in a graded manner.

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