India unlock 4.0 guidelines: Metro to resume; schools, colleges, cinema halls to remain closed

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday said that there shall be no restriction on inter-State and intra-State movement of persons and goods, and no separate permission/ e-permit will be required for such movements during Unlock 4.

In a statement the MHA said, "State/ UT Governments shall not impose any local lockdown (State/ District/ sub-division/City/ village level), outside the containment zones, without prior consultation with the central government."

Emphasizing on the adherence of national directives for Covid-19 management, the MHA said national directives for COVID-19 management shall continue to be followed throughout the country, with a view to ensure social distancing. "Shops will need to maintain adequate physical distancing among customers. MHA will monitor the effective implementation of National Directives", added the statement.

Here are some main instructions in the Unlock 4 guidelines:

• Metro rail will be allowed to operate with effect from September 7 in a graded manner, by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA)/ Ministry of Railways (MOR), in consultation with MHA
• Social/academic/sports/entertainment/cultural/religious/ political functions & other congregations will be permitted with a ceiling of 100 persons, from Sept 21
• 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.
• Students of classes 9 to 12 may be permitted to visit their schools, in areas outside the Containment Zones only, on a voluntary basis, for taking guidance from their teachers. This will be subject to written consent of their parents/ guardians.

• Lockdown shall continue to be implemented strictly in the containment zones till September 30.
  
• National Directives for COVID management shall continue to be followed throughout country, while ensure social distancing. Shops need to maintain adequate physical distancing among customers. MHA will monitor the effective implementation of National Directives.
  
• All activities, except the following, shall be permitted outside containment zones: (i) Cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres (excluding open-air theatre) and similar places. (ii) International air travel of passengers, except as permitted by MHA.
  
• State/ UT Governments shall not impose any local lockdown (State/ District/ sub-division/City/ village level), outside the containment zones, without prior consultation with the Central Government.

With IANS inputs