Here are the activities which will be allowed in Unlock 4.0 – Mumbai Live

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Saturday, August 29, 2020, released a new set of guidelines for some services to resume under the ‘Unlock 4.0’ initiative. The statement released by the government mentioned that this will be in effect from September 1, 2020, and the services will resume on the dates mentioned. 

Furthermore, the lockdown has been extended in India until September 31, 2020, and areas marked as containment zones will be under strict observation. Services will not resume in these areas.

Earlier, officials had received various suggestions with regards to understanding the needs posed by the public and to understand if resuming local train, metro rail, single-screen theatres, auditoriums, etc. could be allowed. One of the senior officials told ANI, that the process of phased re-opening of activities will be extended further and new guidelines, will be based on feedback received from states and UTs and extensive consultations with related Central Ministries and Departments.

Here are the activities which will be allowed in Unlock 4.0

1. Metro rail can resume operations from September 7, 2020, in a graded manner. Guidelines and SOPs will be released for the same.

2. Social, academic, entertainment, cultural, religious and political functions and congregations will be permitted, with a limit of 100 people. This will be in effect from September 21, 2020. Wearing masks, gloves and maintaining social distancing is mandatory as a part of the guidelines.

3. Open-air theatres can reopen from September 21, 2020.

4. Cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres and similar places to remain closed.

5. Schools, colleges, and educational institutions will remain closed until September 30, 2020. Online and distance learning is encouraged.

6. However, only 50 per cent of staff may be called to schools or colleges for online teaching. This will be effective from September 21, 2020, in non-containment zones.

7. No restriction on inter-state and intra-state movements of persons or goods. 

8. Movement by passenger trains; domestic passenger air travel; the movement of persons on Vande Bharat and Air Transport Bubble flights; and sign-on and sign-off of Indian Seafaeres will continue to be regulated as per SOPs issued.

Also Read: Number of containment zones or red zones in Mumbai reduce to 554

In the last 24 hours, officials have identified more than 76,000 coronavirus cases in the country, taking the tally to more than 34 lakhs. As of August 29, Indian had  34,63,973 COVID-19 cases and this is the third consecutive day when more than 70,000 cases were identified in India.

Also Read: Local Trains, Gyms and Restaurants – What else can open in Maharashtra Unlock 4.0