India releases new guidelines for unlock 2.0

As the first phase of unlocking ends on July 1,the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued guidelines for the phase 2 of reopening, unlock 2.0, and it will come into effect from tomorrow (July 1). “The new guidelines are based on feedback received from states and UTs, and extensive consultations held with related central ministries and department,” the government said in a statement.

What will remain closed

1) Schools, colleges and coaching institutions will remain closed till July 31.

2) Metro rail services to remain shut until further notice.

3) Cinema halls, gyms, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places will continue to remain closed under Unlock 2.0.

4) Any social, political, academic, cultural or religious function or any other form of large congregation will not be allowed in Unlock 2.0.

5) Lockdown shall continue in the containment zones till 31 July, 2020.

6) Night curfew shall remain in force, between 10 pm and 5 am, except for essential activities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation today at 4 pm. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation at 4 PM tomorrow,” the Prime Minister’s Office tweeted on Monday night.

This is the prime minister’s sixth speech to the nation since the outbreak of the Covid-19.

Earlier on Sunday, the prime minister had encouraged the people to be more cautious in the unlock phase and take adequate precautions, pressing that failing to do so would place the country at risk.