COVID-19 Unlock 3: Night Curfew Withdrawn, Schools, Colleges To Remain Shut

With the current Unlock 2.0/Lockdown coming to an end on July 31, the Centre is going to lift several restrictions in Unlock 3.0.

As per the new guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Night curfew has been withdrawn during COVID-19 Unlock 3, while schools, colleges and educational institutions will remain shut till the end of August.

In a major relaxation, gyms and yoga institutes have been allowed to reopen from August 5.

However, strict lockdown will be followed in containment zones.

The centre's new guidelines open up more activities in areas outside the Containnen Zones. In Unlock 3, which will come to effect from August 1, the process of phased re-opening of activities has been extended.

According to sources, the new guidelines, issued today, are based on feedback received from States and UTs, and extensive consultations held with related Central Ministries and Departments.

Some of the key changes announced for COVID-19 Unlock 3 are as follows:

- Restrictions on movement of individuals during night (Night curfew) have been removed.

-Yoga institutes and gymnasiums will be allowed to open from August 5, 2020. In this regard, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for ensuing 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. In this regard instructions issued by MHA on 21.07.2020 shall be followed.

-After extensive consultation with States and UTs, decision taken to keep schools, colleges and coaching institutions closed till August 31, 2020.

-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.

NOTE: All activities, except the following given below, shall be permitted outside containment zones:

(i) Metro Rail

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

(iii) Social, political, sports, entertainment, academic cultural/religious functions and other large congregations. Dates for opening of these will be decided separately, based on the assessment of the situation.

Important note related to containment zones during Unlock 3:

Containment Zones will be notified on the websites of the respective district collectors and by the States/UTs and information will also be shared with MOHFW.

Activities in the Containment Zones shall be monitored strictly by State and UT authorities, and the guidelines relating to containment measure in these zones shall be strictly implemented
MOHFW will monitor the proper delineation of Containment Zones and implementation of the containment measures.

States to decide on activities outside Containment Zones States & UTs and 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 shall continue to be followed throughout the country, with a view to ensure social distancing.

Shops will need to maintain adequate physical distancing among customers.

(Edited By Bikram Keshari Jena)

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