New Delhi:
Unlock 4.0, the fourth phase of opening of the economy after coronavirus lockdown since March 25, will start from September 1.
Metro rail will be allowed to operate with effect from 7 th September 2020 in a graded manner as part of `Unlock 4'. A new set of guidelines for ‘Unlock 4’ to be in force till September 30, will be announced later this week and the government has only announced which will be prohibited while the rest can resume.
Local trains in Mumbai will not resume in this phase. Mumbai police has also warned motorists that they will impound vehicles if they cannot show a valid reason for being out.
In a departure from previous lockdowns and unlocking phases, states will not be allowed to impose localised lockdowns in non-containment zones without consulting the central government, the MHA specified in the fresh guidelines.
Social/ academic/ sports/ entertainment/ cultural/ religious/ political functions and other congregations will be permitted with a ceiling of 100 persons from 21st September, but with protocols in place.that involve large gatherings – be it educational institutions, public parks or cinema halls.
All activities, except the following, shall be permitted outside containment zones:
-Cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres (excluding open air theatre) and similar places.
-International air travel of passengers, except as permitted by MHA.
-Educational and coaching institutions will continue to remain closed for students
– Online/distance learning shall continue to be permitted and shall be encouraged.
Also following will be permitted, in areas outside the Containment Zones only, with effect from 21st September:
States/ UTs may permit upto 50% of teaching and non-teaching staff to be called to the schools at a time for online teaching/ tele- counselling and related work.
Students of classes 9 to 12 may be permitted to visit their schools, in areas outside the Containment Zones only, on voluntary basis, for taking guidance from their teachers.
Skill or Entrepreneurship training will be permitted in National Skill Training Institutes, Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs),Open air theatres will be permitted to open with effect from 21 st September 2020.
Flouting Covid-19 norms such a not wearing a mask, sitting on seats meant to be left vacant in order to maintain social distancing and spitting or littering on the station premises will attract hefty fines.
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.
Lockdown shall continue to be implemented strictly in the Containment Zones till 30 th September, 2020.
Containment Zones shall be demarcated by the District authorities at micro level after taking into consideration the guidelines of MoHFW with the objective of effectively breaking the chain of transmission. Strict containment measures will be enforced in these containment zones and only essential activities will be allowed.
Within the containment zones, strict perimeter control shall be maintained and only essential activities allowed.These Containment Zones will be notified on the websites of the respective,District Collectors and by the States/ UTs and information will also be shared with MOHFW.
Coronavirus cases have been rising steadily across India, at around 70,000 new infections every day, with the total number of cases crossing 34 lakh behind the United States and Brazil. More than 62,000 people have died in the country so far.