Unlock 5.0: Central Govt issues Guidelines: Schools, Colleges allowed to reopen from Oct 15

On Wednesday, the Central Govt issued fresh guidelines for 'Unlock 5' phase in view of the Coronavirus pandemic & allowed the reopening of cinema halls & entertainment parks from Oct 15 with 50 per cent capacity.

The Unlock 5 guidelines, issued by the Home Ministry, beginning Oct 1 will remain in force till Oct 31.

What is new in Unlock 5

* Cinemas/theatres/multiplexes will be permitted to open with up to 50 per cent of their seating capacity, for which Standard Operating Procedure will be issued by the I&B ministry. 

* Swimming pools used for training of sportspersons to re-open from Oct 15.

* For re-opening of schools & coaching institutions, State/UT Govts have been given the flexibility to take a decision after Oct 15, 2020, in a graded manner. The decision shall be taken in consultation with the respective school/institution managements.

* Department of Higher Education (DHE), Ministry of Education may take a decision on timing of the opening of colleges/ higher education institutions, in consultation with the MHA, based on the assessment of the situation. 

* Online/distance learning will continue to be the preferred & encouraged.

* Students may attend schools/ institutions only with the written consent of parents. Attendance must not be enforced, & must depend entirely on parental consent.

* Entertainment parks to re-open from Oct 15.

* Business to Business (B2B) exhibitions will be permitted to open from Oct 15.

* Social/ academic/ sports/ entertainment/ cultural/ religious/ political functions & other congregations were earlier permitted with a ceiling of 100 persons, outside containment zones. Now State/UT Govts may permit such gatherings beyond the limit of 100 after Oct 15.

* In closed spaces, a maximum of 50 per cent of the hall capacity will be allowed, with a ceiling of 200 persons. Wearing of face masks, maintaining social distancing, provision for thermal scanning & use of hand wash or sanitizer will be mandatory.

Containment zones

* Strict enforcement of lockdown will continue in containment zones till October 31.

* Containment zones will be demarcated by the district authorities at the micro level after taking into consideration the government guidelines with the objective of effectively breaking the chain of Covid-19 transmission. 

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