Unlock 3.0 announced: No more night curfew, gyms allowed to open, but metro, schools, cinemas to remain shut

In its Unlock 3.0 guidelines issued on Wednesday, which will be in effect from August 1 to August 31, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has allowed gyms and yoga centres to reopen from August 5 if they follow specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

However, cinemas, schools and colleges, swimming pools and recreational clubs continue to be on the restricted list of the Centre.

After receiving a representation from cinema owners, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry had recommended to the MHA that halls could be reopened with 25% seating capacity. However, the MHA felt the time is not right yet as COVID-19 numbers continue to grow.

Metro services, too, have not been allowed even though states like Delhi have been demanding that it be reopened.

Night curfew has been removed, allowing people to work in night shifts or freely move about for work or other purposes.

The MHA guidelines have reiterated that the ban on religious, political functions and other large congregations will continue.

International air travel has been allowed in a limited manner under the Vande Bharat mission. Further opening up will take place in a calibrated manner, the notification said.

Independence Day functions will be allowed with social distancing and by following other health protocols like wearing of masks etc.

The guidelines said that strict restrictions will continue in containment zones till August 31. The states will still have the freedom to decide if they want to impose restrictions even though the Centre has removed them. Many states have brought back complete or partial lockdowns in wake of rising COVID-19 cases.