MHA Issues Fresh Guidelines for Unlock 2; Schools, Colleges, Metro, Gyms to Remain Closed till July 31

New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs today released the fresh guidelines for unlock 2, which will be in force till July 31 in the wake of rising Coronavirus cases in the country.

The MHA’s guidelines for easing lockdown restrictions stated all activities except certain prohibited ones will be permitted outside containment zones.

As per the guidelines, schools and educational institutions will remain closed until July 31. Metro rail services will remain suspended, as will pools, cinemas and gymnasiums. Dates for resuming these activities will be decided later.

Activities Permitted during Unlock 2 period outside Containment Zones:

In areas outside Containment Zones, all activities will be permitted, except the following: ,

(i) Schools, colleges, educational and coaching institutions will remain closed till 3| July. 2020. Online/ distance learning shall continue to be permitted and shall be encouraged.

Training institutions of the Central and State Governments will be allowed to function from 15 July, 2020, for which Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be issued by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT).

(ii) International air travel of passengers, except as permitted by MHA.

(iii) Metro Rail

(iv) Cinema halls, gymnasiums, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places.

(v) Social/ political/ sports/ entertainment/academic/ cultural/ religious functions and other large congregations.
Dates for re-starting the above activities may be decided separately and necessary.

SOPs shall be issued for ensuring social distancing and to contain the spread of COVID-l9. Domestic nights and passenger trains have already been allowed in a limited manner. Their operations will be further expanded in a calibrated manner.

Night curfew Movement of individuals shall remain strictly prohibited between 10.00 pm to 5.00 am throughout the country, except for essential activities, including operation of industrial units in multiple shins, movement of persons and goods on National and State Highways, loading and unloading of cargo and travel of persons to their destinations after disembarking from buses, trains and airplanes. Local authorities shall issue orders, in the entire area of their jurisdiction under appropriate provisions of law such as under Section 144 of CrPC, and ensure strict compliance.

National Directives for COVID-19 Management

National Directives for COVlD-l9 Management, as specified in Annexure I, shall continue to be followed throughout the country.
Lockdown shall continue to remain in force in the Containment Zones till 31 July, 2020.