Image Source: Cond� Nast Traveller India

UNLOCK 4.0: No lockdown outside containment zones without MHA approval

New Delhi, 29-Aug-2020

Social, academic, sports, entertainment, cultural, religious and political functions and other congregations will be permitted with 100 person limit from September 21.
Issuing guidelines for Unlock 4.0, which will come into effect from September 1, the home ministry said the government has decided to open up more activities under containment zones. However, the lockdown will be strictly enforced in all containment zones until September 30.

The home ministry said these guidelines have been formulated based on feedback received from states and UTs, and extensive consultations held with related central ministries and departments.
As per Unlock 4 guidelines, metro train services will be allowed to operate from September 7. However, these operations will start in a graded manner by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the Ministry of Railways in consultation with home ministry.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs will also be issuing Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for operation of metro train services under Unlock 4.
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SOCIAL, SPORTS AND CULTURAL EVENTS
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The central government has also decided to allow social, academic, sports, entertainment, cultural, religious and political functions under Unlock 4. These events will however be allowed only outside containment zones.
While the MHA has allowed these events from September 21, it has said they cannot involve participation of more than 100 people.
�Such limited gatherings can be held with mandatory wearing of face masks, social distancing, provision for thermal scanning and hand wash or sanitizer,� the MHA guidelines for Unlock 4 state.
Apart from this, open-air theatres will also be permitted to open with effect from September 21.
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SCHOOLS, COLLEGES TO REMAIN SHUT
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Schools, colleges, coaching centres and other educational institutions will remain shut till September 30. The MHA said this decision was taken after extensive consultation with states and UTs. �It has been decided that schools, colleges, educational and coaching institutions will continue to remain closed for students and regular class activity up to September 30. Online/distance learning shall continue to be permitted and shall be encouraged,� the guidelines stated.
However, while schools and colleges will remain shut throughout September, the MHA has allowed certain activities in areas that are outside containment zones.