Govt extends lockdown in containment zones till June 30; phase wise reopening of activities outside containment zones from June 8

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday issued new guidelines for the fifth phase of lockdown which is slated to begin from June 1.

As per the new guidelines, all activities outside containment zones have been allowed to resume in a phased manner for next one month.

The guidelines will come into effect from June 1, 2020 and will be effective till June 30, 2020. The current phase of re-opening, unlock 1, will have an economic focus.

“From 01.06.2020-Within Containment Zones, Lockdown restrictions to continue till 30.06.2020. Unlock1 All activities to be relaxed in phased manner outside containment zones, as per Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines. States may impose restrictions/prohibit activities as per assessment,” the Ministry tweeted.

Phase I

Religious places and places of worship for the public; hotels, restaurants and other hospitality services; and shopping malls; will be permitted to open from June 8, 2020.

Health Ministry will issue Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the above activities, in consultation with the Central ministries/departments concerned and other stakeholders, for ensuring social distancing and to contain the spread of Covid-19.

Phase II

Schools, colleges, educational/ training/ coaching institutions etc., will be opened after consultations with States and UTs.

State Governments/UT administrations may hold consultations at the institution level with parents and other stakeholders. Based on the feedback, a decision on the re-opening of these institutions will be taken in the month of July. MoHFW will prepare SOPs in this regard.

Phase III

Based on the assessment of the situation, dates for re-starting the following activities will be decided: 

  • International air travel of passengers, except as permitted by MHA
  • Metro Rail
  • Cinema halls, gymnasium, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars and auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places. 
  • Social/political/sports/entertainment/academic/ cultural/ religious functions and other large congregations