States and Union Territories can take a decision on whether to open schools from October 15; cinemas and multiplexes will be allowed to open with 50 per cent capacity from the same date; limits on outdoor gatherings have been removed while indoors gatherings will be allowed with 50 per cent capacity — there are among the new unlockdown guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday evening.
The guidelines, which are to come into effect from October 15, also say PhD and post-graduate students of science and technology streams — those that may require laboratory work — can open, while a decision to open all colleges “may be taken” by the Department of Higher Education in consultation with the Home Ministry.
The MHA has relaxed limits on gatherings, both outdoor and indoor. “Now State/UT Governments have been given the flexibility to permit such gatherings beyond the limit of 100 persons outside Containment Zones, after 15th October 2020”, the MHA said.
The caveat, however, is that for indoor spaces, the gathering can’t exceed 50 per cent of the hall capacity or 200 people. For outdoor events, the guidelines say that the size of the ground must be kept in mind, though the MHA has not mandated a ceiling. In both cases, the guidelines prescribe masks, social distancing and other Covid protocol.
Business to business exhibitions are allowed, too, and swimming pools “being used for sportspersons” are also permitted to open, as are entertainment parks. All of these will have SOPs issued by their governing ministries and will be permitted to open from October 15.
On the re-opening of schools, the MHA said “State/ UT Governments have been given the flexibility to take a decision after 15th October 2020, in a graded manner.” IE
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