In a reprieve for many people seeking to resume travel through public transport, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Saturday decided to allow the resumption of metro operations from September 7 in a graded manner.
The MHA has issued new guidelines for opening up of more activities in areas outside the containment Zones. Unlock 4, will come into effect from September 1.
"Metro rail will be allowed to operate with effect from 7th September 2020 in a graded manner, by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA)/ Ministry of Railways (MOR), in consultation with MHA. In this regard, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be issued by MOHUA", said a statement issued by MHA.
The new guidelines, issued today, are based on feedback received from states and UTs, and extensive consultations held with related central ministries and departments.
State/ UT governments are not allowed to impose any lockdown (State/ District/ sub-division/ City/ village/ level), outside the containmnet zones, without prior consultation with the Centre government. But, lockdown in containment zones will remain strictly imposed till September 30.
Besides this, there shall be no restriction on inter-State and intra-State movement of persons and goods, and no separate permission/ e-permit will be required for such movements during Unlock 4.
The Centre government has also lifted the ban on consuming liquor, gutka, tobacco products in public places with effect from September 1.
However, schools, colleges, educational and coaching institutions will continue to remain closed for students and regular class activity upto September 30. On the other hand, states and union territories may permit upto 50% of teaching and non teaching staff to be called to school for online teaching related work. This will only be allowed for areas outside the containment zones with effect from September 21.
Students of Class 9-12 can voluntarily visit schools, with parents’ written consent.
Also Read: MLAs testing Covid-positive during Assembly Session raises question on testing kits
Higher education institutions for research scholars (PhD) and post-graduate students of technical and professional programmes requiring lab/experimental works can be permitted by dept of higher education in consultation with MHA.
Emphasizing on the adherence of national directives for Covid-19 management, the MHA said national directives for COVID-19 management shall continue to be followed throughout the country, with a view to ensure social distancing. "Shops will need to maintain adequate physical distancing among customers. MHA will monitor the effective implementation of National Directives", added the statement.
The Centre also emphasized on the use of Aarogya Setu mobile application and urged people to continue its usage.
For the vulnerable section of the population, the MHA said, "vulnerable persons, i.e., persons above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women, and children below the age of 10 years, are advised to stay at home, except for essential requirements and for health purposes."
The Centre has also permitted social/ academic/ sports/ entertainment/ cultural/ religious/ political functions and other congregations with a ceiling of 100 persons, with effect from September 21. However, such limited gatherings can be held with mandatory directives like wearing of face masks, social distancing, provision for thermal scanning and hand washing or use of sanitiser.
Open air theatres will also be permitted from September 21.