Unlock 2.0 Guidelines Announced By Centre; Schools, Metro, Theatres To Remain Shut Till July 31

The government, while releasing fresh guidelines, also stated that Lockdown shall continue to remain in force in containment zones till July 3 adding that in containment zones, only essential activities will be allowed.

(File Photo/ AFP)

New Delhi: The Government of India on Monday announced fresh guidelines for Unlock 2 which will be in force till July 31 in the backdrop rising Coronavirus cases in the country. As per the guidelines issued for Unlock 2.0, all schools and colleges will remain closed till July 31. The new guidelines issued today for Unlock 2.0 will come into effect from July 1. Metro, cinema halls, gyms, pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, auditoriuums and political and large congregations will also remain shut till July 31. A MHA release said that schools, colleges and coaching institutions will remain closed till July 31 and the decision has been taken after extensive consultation with states.

#Unlock1

All activities, except the following, shall be permitted outside containment zones ✔️ Metro Rail, Cinema halls, gymnasiums, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places. (5/n) Read: https://t.co/Xqv95KcHUz — PIB India (@PIB_India) June 29, 2020

The government, while releasing fresh guidelines, also stated that Lockdown shall continue to remain in force in containment zones till July 3 adding that in containment zones, only essential activities will be allowed. In Unlock 2.0, the government also changed curfew timings from 10 pm to 5 am, except for essential activities and added that not more than 5 people will be allowed in a shop. The relaxations in night curfew have been given for seamless operation of industrial units in multiple shifts, movement of persons and goods on National and State Highways, loading and unloading of cargo and movement of persons to their destinations after disembarking from buses, trains and airplanes. The Ministry of Home Affairs also stated that domestic flight, passenger train services will be further expanded in a calibrated manner in 'Unlock 2' phase. It also stated that their operations will be further expanded in a calibrated manner. 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. The Home Ministry, in its guidelines also said that, 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," it said.