Unlock 3.0: India to have no night curfew, gyms to reopen from August 5, Educational institutes remain closed at least till August 31
Last updated on February 14th, 2023 at 01:00 pm
On Wednesday Government of India issued guidelines for Unlock 3.0 as a part of reopening of country. Guidelines allow the gymnasiums and yoga centres to reopen from August 5. Also, the regulations of night curfew have been revoked despite of other restrictions being continued to be implemented.
Among the activities and provisions that remain prohibited include swimming pools, metro rails, entertainment parks, cinema halls, bars, theatres, auditorium halls, assembly halls and similar places, Schools, colleges, and other educational institutions are to remain closed till August 31, Ministry of Home Affairs said in the issued guidelines. Congregations of large size are still prohibited, which include social, political, religious, entertainment, academic, sports, and cultural gatherings. The lockdown in containment zones is extended to August end. In regions where severe restrictions had been imposed earlier, they would continue to be implemented.
A statement from Ministry of Home Affairs said, “In Unlock 3.0, which will come into effect from August 1, the process of phased re-opening of activities has been extended further. The new guidelines, issued today, are based on feedback received from States and UTs, and extensive consultations held with related Central Ministries and Departments.”
The night curfew has not been mentioned in new guidelines and are thus revoked. In Unlock 2.0, the night curfew was reduced to 10 pm-5 am from 9 pm-7 am. Yoga centres and gyms that have been allowed to reopen from August 5 are required to follow SOPs (standard operational procedures) that would be released by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) to ensure proper social distancing and measures to curb the spread of novel coronavirus infection.
Guidelines also include a special mention of Independence Day celebrations. Guidelines say, “Independence Day functions at National, State, District, Sub-Division, Municipal and Panchayat levels and ‘At Home’ functions, wherever held, will be allowed with social distancing and by following other health protocols e.g. wearing of masks.”
In relation to schools and colleges the guidelines say, “After extensive consultation with States and UTs, it has been decided that schools, colleges and coaching institutions will remain closed till August 31, 2020.”
International air travel and rail travel restrictions will continue as earlier. But on inter and intra state movement there have been relaxations. The guidelines say, “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 guidelines have been reiterated throughout the country. This means that wearing of masks and social distancing protocols remain to be implemented. Work from home is still encouraged. For employees going to workplaces need to get thermal scanning while following staggered work shifts.
