COVID-19 lockdown: What are the fresh guidelines post May 31?

Hyderabad: The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued new guidelines for the fifth phase of lockdown which is slated to begin from Monday, June 1.

According to the new guidelines, all activities outside containment zones have been allowed to resume in a phased manner from June 1. The guidelines will come into effect from June 1 and will be effective till June 30.

Meanwhile, the ministry has removed all restrictions on intra-state and inter-state movement of people. However, the night curfew will continue and the movement of individuals, for all non-essential activities, will be prohibited from 9 pm to 5 am from June 1. In addition, no separate permission/approval/e-permit will be required for such movements.

Phase I

In Phase I, religious institutions and places of worship for public, restaurants,hotels, other hospitality services, and shopping malls will be permitted to open from June 8.

Health Ministry will issue a separate SOPs for the above activities, in consultation with all stakeholders, for ensuring social distancing.

Phase II

In Phase II educational institutions including schools, colleges, training/coaching institutions etc, will be opened in the month of July after consultations with States and Union Territories (UT).

State Governments/UT administrations have been advised to hold consultations with parents and other stakeholders regarding the re-opening month. MoHFW will prepare SOPs for these institutions.

According to the latest lockdown guideline, only a limited number of activities will remain prohibited in the country from June 1. These activities are:

-International air travel of passengers

-Operation of metro rail

-Cinema halls

-Gymnasiums

-Swimming pools

-Entertainment parks

-Theatres,

-Bars and auditoriums,

-Assembly halls and similar places

-Social/political/sports/entertainment/academic/cultural/religious functions/ and other large congregations

Phase III

In Phase III, dates for the opening of the remaining activities will be decided based on an assessment of the situation. However, the guideline says lockdown shall continue to be implemented strictly in the containment zones. Within the containment zones, strict perimeter control shall be maintained and only essential activities will be allowed.