India, from June 1, is beginning to re-open, after 65 days of Coronavirus lockdown in 4 phases. Barring the containment zones, the entire country is now released of restrictions on activities to a great extent. However, the containment areas will continue to remain under lockdown until the month-end.
The Central Home Ministry had issued guidelines in this connection on May 30 as the fourth phase of the lockdown was ending the next day.
After extensive consultation with states and UTs, the Home Ministry issued the guidelines for phased re-opening of areas outside the containment zone, said the official statement. “The current phase of reopening, unlock 1, has an economic focus.”
The government has been gradually expanding the areas of relaxation on lockdown measures as the phases advanced. The phase, following the lockdown 4, will be like another lockdown but, having more degrees of liberty. However, by terming the move as “Unlock 1”, the government has cleared its stand that it was ready to resume activities along with fighting Corona.
All the prohibited activities outside the containment zone will re-open in a phased manner. To begin with, religious places, hotels, and shopping malls can open from June 8 in the first phase. In the second phase, cases of schools, colleges, and coaching institutions will be taken for consideration to open In July.
The central government will set the Standard Operating Procedure and allow activities in these institutions, but the final decision to open them will be of the state governments. The state governments can impose restrictions on activities outside the containment zone based on their assessment of the situation.
International air travel of passengers and Metro train services did not find a place for consideration in the first two phases. So are the cases of Cinema Halls, swimming pools, gymnasiums, entertainment parks, theaters, and auditoriums. These subjects are left for the third phase – consideration.
Social, political, and religious gatherings are not getting permission now.
From June 1, the public will no more need any special permit to move in the state and from one state to another state as well. Movement of goods, both inter-state and intrastate became restriction-free now.
The government revised the night curfew duration in the new condition. It will be from 9 PM to 5 AM.
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