MHA extends the Guidelines for Re-opening
Moving ahead with caution (सतर्कता के साथ अग्रसर). States/ UTs advised enforcing COVID-Appropriate behaviour
Oct 28, Delhi: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued an Order today to extend the Guidelines for Re-opening, issued on 30.09.2020, to remain in force upto 30.11.2020
Re-opening of activities outside the Containment Zones
* Since the issuance of the First Order on lockdown measures by MHA on 24th March 2020, almost all activities have been gradually opened up in areas outside the Containment Zones. While most of the activities have been permitted, some activities involving a large number of people, have been allowed with some restrictions and subject to SOPs being followed regarding health and safety precautions. These activities include - metro rail; shopping malls; hotel, restaurants and hospitality services; religious places; yoga and training institutes; gymnasiums; cinemas; entertainment park etc.
* In respect of certain activities, having a relatively higher degree of risk of COVID infection, State/ UT Governments have been permitted to make decisions for their re-opening, based on the assessment of the situation and subject to SOPs. These activities include – schools and coaching institutes; State and private universities for research scholars; allowing gatherings above the limit of 100 etc.
* After the last guidelines issued by MHA on 30.09.2020, the following activities are also permitted but with certain restrictions:
International air travel of passengers as permitted by MHA.
Swimming pools being used for training of sportspersons.
Exhibitions halls for Business to Business (B2B) purposes.
Cinemas/ theatres/ multiplexes upto 50% of their seating capacity.
Social/ academic/ sports/ entertainment/ cultural/ religious/ political functions and other congregations, in closed spaces with a maximum of 50% of the hall capacity and subject to a ceiling of 200 persons.
The further decision regarding the above activities will be taken based on the assessment of the situation
COVID-Appropriate behaviour
The essence behind graded re-opening and progressive resumption of activities is to move ahead. However, it does not mean the end of the pandemic. There is a need to exercise abundant caution by adopting COVID-19 appropriate behaviour by every citizen in their daily routine. A ‘Jan Andolan’ was launched by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on 8th October 2020 on COVID-19 appropriate behaviour to follow three mantras, namely:
wear your mask properly;
wash your hands frequently; and
maintain a safe distance of 6 feet.
There is an urgent need to instil a sense of discipline and ownership amongst citizens so that the resumption of activities is successful and gains made in the management of the pandemic are not diluted.
MHA has already advised Chief Secretaries/ Administrators of all States/ UTs that they should endeavour to promote COVID-19 appropriate behaviour extensively at the grass-root level and take measures to enforce the wearing of masks, hand hygiene and social distancing.
National Directives for COVID-19 management
National Directives for COVID-19 management shall continue to be followed throughout the country, so as to enforce COVID-19 appropriate behaviour.
Strict enforcement of lockdown in Containment Zones till 30th November 2020
Lockdown shall continue to be implemented strictly in the Containment Zones till 30th November 2020.
Containment Zones shall be demarcated by the District authorities at micro-level after taking into consideration the guidelines of MoHFW with the objective of effectively breaking the chain of transmission. Strict containment measures will be enforced in these containment zones and only essential activities will be allowed.
