The Union Ministry of Home Affairs on September 30 released the latest set of relaxations to the coronavirus lockdown guidelines, with some significant areas opening up.
Latest relaxation in new Guidelines
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The cinemas, theatres, multiplexes, entertainment parks, and swimming pools used for training of sportspersons can open outside containment zones from October 15.
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States/ UT governments are vested with the authority to decide on reopening of schools and coaching institutions after October 15 in a graded manner. The government permitted online or distance learning. It has also asked students to prefer online learning.
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Now State/UT Governments have been given the flexibility to permit such gatherings beyond the limit of 100 persons outside Containment Zones, after October 15.
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Where schools are conducting online classes, and some students prefer to attend online classes rather than physically attend school, they may be permitted to do so. Students may attend schools/institutions only with the written consent of parents. Attendance must not be enforced and must depend entirely on parental consent.
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States/UTs will prepare their own SOPs regarding health and safety precautions for reopening of schools/ institutions based on the SOP to be issued by the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education keeping local requirements in view.
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Centrally Funded Higher Education Institutions, the Head of Institution will satisfy herself/himself that there is a genuine requirement of research scholars (PhD) and post-graduate students in science and technology stream for laboratory/experimental works.
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For all other Higher Education Institutions e.g. State Universities, Private Universities etc., they may open only for research scholars (PhD) and postgraduate students in science and technology stream requiring laboratory/experimental works as per decision to be taken by the respective State/UT Governments.
The order, while extending the lockdown in containment zones until October 31, says state governments shall not impose local lockdowns outside such zones without consulting the Ministry and there are no restrictions on inter- and intra-state movement either.
