
The Ministry of Home Affairs, on Wednesday, rolled out the guidelines for the third phase of the ‘Unlock’ process initiated by the government to bring the country back to its feet after the nation-wide lock down imposed due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
In ‘Unlock 3.0’ the government removed the night curfews which restricted the movement of people from 10 PM to 5 AM. The government has also allowed gymnasiums and yoga institutes to open in this phase of the lock down. These institutions are allowed to open up from August 5, and if situated outside the containment zones.
The lock down in the containment zones continues and the situation remains status quo. The lock down in these zones has been extended to August 31, 2020 and activities in these areas shall be monitored strictly as per the order of the Ministry of Home Affairs. “In the containment zones, there shall be extensive contact tracing, house-to-house surveillance, and other clinical interventions, as required”, stated the guidelines issued by the Ministry.
Apart from this, the rest remains status quo. Schools, colleges and coaching institutes will be shut till August 31, 2020. Online classes/E-learning is being encouraged by the ministry. Cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places, have all been instructed to be shut so far.
The government has allowed independence day functions to be held with social distancing norms in place. “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”, quoted the guidelines issued by the MHA.
Government has given health and safety precautions which includes wearing of masks and following social distancing norms. In the order, the ministry has also stated that a violation of these norms would result in a penalty.
“Any person violating these measures will be liable to be proceeded against as per the provisions of Section 51 and 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, besides legal action under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code and other legal provisions as applicable”, stated the order.