The country is amid re-opening the economy after the sudden lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This task is being implemented in stages - With Unlock:1 in June 2020, the process started and currently, the second phase is in place. The Ministry of Home Affairs has now issued an order declaring guidelines for the third phase of this process.
These guidelines will be in force from 1st August 2020 to 31st August 2020. It is important to note that similar to the guidelines from previous phases, these guidelines will also be applicable outside containment zones. The zones with several COVID-19 infections will remain under lockdown.
A noteworthy feature of this phase is the removal of restrictions on movement during night. Another radical move is the re-opening of gymnasiums and yoga institutes from 5th August 2020, however detailed rules on the same will be released by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in a matter of time.
Schools and colleges will remain shut till 31st August 2020 and international air travel will continue with restrictions according to the Vande Bharat Mission. Since the Independence Day lies in August, its celebration will be allowed along with social distancing.
Moreover, all activities have been allowed except for metro travel, assembly in public places like cinema halls, swimming pools, theatres, parks, etc. and participation in large congregations for religious, cultural, political and other purposes. These activities will be opened based on assessment of the situation.
It was stated that lockdown will continue in containment zones and strict perimeter protocol shall be maintained around these areas. Only essential activities have been allowed in these areas. The union government has also allowed enough flexibility to state governments to prohibit activities outside these containment zones, based on their assessment of situation.
