MHA issues guidelines for Unlock-2; PM to address nation on Tuesday

The Union Home Ministry on Monday (June 29) issued a new set of guidelines for the second round of the phased re-opening of the country from the coronavirus-imposed lockdown between July 1 to 31.

According to the notification, schools, colleges, and other educational institutions will remain closed till July 31, while online and distance learning are permitted and shall be encouraged.

#UNLOCK2: States/UTs may also identify Buffer Zones, outside the Containment Zones where new cases are more likely to occur. Within the Buffer Zones, restrictions are considered necessary may be put in place by District authorities. pic.twitter.com/S4vCyDA8SH

— ANI (@ANI) June 29, 2020

Even as Unlock-2 is set to kick off metro rail, theatres, cinema halls, gymnasiums, bars, and other public places are expected to remain shut.

The ministry said that domestic flights and passenger train services will be further expanded in a calibrated manner in Unlock-2, while international air travel, except as permitted by the government, shall remain barred.

#UNLOCK2: Schools, colleges, educational & coaching institutions, International flights, metro rail, cinemas, gyms, pools, religious gatherings among others to remain prohibited till July 31st. pic.twitter.com/HdFZTKKrcx

— ANI (@ANI) June 29, 2020

Night curfew will remain in force between 10 pm and 5 am throughout the country, except for essential activities and lockdown will continue in COVID-19 containment zones till July 31 with the district authorities demarcating the zones, it added.

Similar to the lockdown imposed on March 25 for the first time in India, political, academic, cultural, religious, sporting events and other large congregations continue to be prohibited.

As per the order, wearing a face mask and maintaining six-feet distance in public places is mandatory and offices and work spaces are expected to exercise work from home until July 31 or arrange the shifts in a staggered manner.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing the nation on Tuesday (July 30) at 4 pm.