ANS: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued new guidelines for the Unlock 3.0 phase commencing from August 1 to 31 on Wednesday.
The lockdown will continue to be strictly implemented in containment zones to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. More activities have been permitted outside containment zones, based on the suggestions of feedback received from state governments and Union Territories.
Salient features of the new guidelines:-
- Night Curfew (the restrictions of the movement of people during the night) has been removed.
- Yoga institutes and gymnasiums shall be allowed to open from August 5 as per the 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, e.g., wearing of masks etc. In this regard instructions issued by MHA on 21.07.2020 shall be followed.
- Schools, colleges and coaching institutions will remain closed till August 31, 2020.
- International air travel of passengers has been permitted in a limited manner under the Vande Bharat mission.
- Metro Rail services, cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, assembly halls and similar places will not be operational.
- The ban on all types of functions and large congregations continues.
- Lockdown shall continue to be implemented strictly in the Containment Zones till 31 August, 2020.
Lockdown in containment zones
The containment zones will be demarcated by the district authorities with the objective of breaking the chain of transmission. The respective district collectors and state governments shall notify these zones on the website. Only essential activities are allowed in such areas, with movement of people is allowed only for medical emergencies and for maintaining supply of essential goods and services. There shall be intensive contact tracing, house-to-house surveillance and other clinical interventions in the containment zones. Buffer zones outside the containment zones where new cases are likely to occur may be identified by the state governments.
The state governments have been empowered to prohibit certain activities outside the containment zones as deemed necessary. 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. The MHA has reiterated that Work from Home should be encouraged as far as possible.
States to decide on activities outside Containment Zones
States and UTs, 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. No separate permission/ approval/ e-permit will be required for such movements.
National Directives for COVID-19 management
National Directives for COVID-19 management shall continue to be followed throughout the country, with a view to ensuring social distancing. Shops will need to maintain adequate physical distancing among customers. MHA will monitor the effective implementation of National Directives.
Protection for vulnerable persons
Vulnerable persons, i.e., persons above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women, and children below the age of 10 years, are advised to stay at home, except for meeting essential requirements and for health purposes.
Use of Aarogya Setu
The use of Aarogya Setu mobile application will continue to be encouraged.