The Home Ministry on Wednesday decided to relax the COVID-19 restrictions by easing the surveillance, containment and caution measures while handing it over to the States and Union Territories to rule on the extent of the social relaxation that will take place.
This decision has been taken by the Home Ministry in lieu of Coronavirus cases having considerably decreased over the last 4 months.
The occupancy limit for attendance at places like cinema halls and public swimming pools which were previously not allowed to operate over 50% capacity have now been given the free hand and will be allowed to operate at full now.
With this update, all activities (except those which are subject to a strict following of Standard Operating Procedures) that require gathering in social places will be now permitted, excluding containment zones. Social and other recreational activities will now not have to be constricted to half capacity and the ceiling limit of 200 in closed spaces has also been relaxed.
From February 1, the power to rule on the social gathering restriction will now be given to state governments and the centre will now not make any calls as such.
However, States and Union Territories have been ordered to take all required decisions regarding the safety of people and to encourage people to keep following Covid guidelines and ensure that people continue to wear safety masks, maintain necessary hygiene and social distancing.
