Srinagar, May 30: Lockdown 5 will be limited to containment zones till June 30 while the rest of India will be reopened in a phased manner from June 8. The home ministry on Saturday issued guidelines for the fifth part of world’s biggest lockdown that has claimed close to 5,000 lives in the country so far.
So starting June 8 here is what happens if you don’t live in a containment zone, which is primarily an area with a chunk of positive cases. These zones help map local transmission of the disease and prevent the contagion from spreading.
Okay, so what is open from next Monday?
Phase 1 of the ministry’s rule book has given the go ahead for religious places of worship, hotels, restaurants and hospitality services and yes, shopping malls. But you will have to wait for a detailed operating plan, to be released by the ministry or the state departments, for a clearer picture.
What about schools and colleges?
That is included in phase 2 of the rule book. States and UTs have been asked to come up with a strategy at institution level with parents and other stake holders. If all goes well, we could see children back in schools by July. Again, this would need a detailed operating plan.
What about Metro and movie halls and my local gym?
Dates for restarting Metro, movie halls, gyms and bars will be decided in the third phase. This phase will also take a call on sports, entertainment functions and all such events.
Will I be able to fly abroad?
That will have to wait. A call on the same will be taken in Phase 3.
What about the night curfew?
Night curfew will remain in force from 9 pm to 5 am across the country, a change from 7 am to 7 pm in lockdown 4. People linked to essential services are allowed to move at night.
And tell me about containment zones?
Lockdown in such zones continues till June 30. What becomes a containment zone will be decided by the district administration. These zones will see only essential activities. There will be strict contact tracing, surveillance in these zones. States will take a call on details of restrictions in their respective zones.
How about interstate transport?
No restriction. You don’t need separate permission, approval for such movement. But states can regulate movement if the situation demands so. Trains, domestic flights will continue as per the earlier plan.
Can states tinker with central guidelines ?
Yes, states will have the freedom to not open them or put suitable restrictions if they deem it necessary for containment of corona outbreak. (ET)
