The Centre on Wednesday issued guidelines for Unlock 5 to re-open economic activities, which were closed due to a nationwide lockdown imposed in March to stop the spread of coronavirus. According to the guidelines, the Centre has allowed re-opening of cinema halls, multiplexes, swimming pools used for training of sportspersons and entertainment parks from October 15.

The new guidelines are based on feedback received from States and UTs, and extensive consultations held with related Central Ministries and Departments. 

Cinema halls to open with 50% capacity

According to Information and Broadcast Ministry, cinemas halls and multiplexes will be permitted to open with up to 50% of their seating capacity. The ministry will release soon release the SOP.

The government has also allowed setting up of Business to Business (B2B) Exhibitions with all the COVID-19 norms. 

Schools can open

The Centre said that state governments can decide whether to re-open schools and coaching institutions after October 15. According to the guidelines, parental consent is required. “Where schools are conducting online classes, and some students prefer to attend online classes rather than physically attend school, they may be permitted to do so,” said the guidelines. 

Social/ academic/ sports/ entertainment/ cultural/ religious/ political functions and other congregations have already been permitted with a ceiling of 100 persons, outside COVID19 containment zones only.

The Centre said strict lockdown will be enforced in containment zones till October 31.