Unlock 5.0: From Cinema halls to educational institutes, what relaxations to expect

COVID-19 India Unlock 5.0 Guidelines, School reopening in India: India is near the conclusion of the fourth stage of nationwide Unlock criteria, which will come to an end on September 30. Unlock 4 that started on September 1 in which the central government gave various relaxations like the resumption of Metro services for the first time since March when the nationwide lockdown was announced in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Likewise, the Central government had also announced the partial reopening of schools for classes 9-12. However, there has been no announcement on school reopening in India and the opening of cinema halls. Also Read | Unlock 4: Himachal Pradesh lifts travel restrictions, no pass or registration required Now, India is all set for the fifth stage of Unlock which is set to begin from October 1. Meanwhile, there are several speculations that are mounting over new relaxations that the Centre may allow in Unlock 5. Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a review meeting with the chief ministers of 7 worst-affected states including Punjab where PM Modi suggested that steps be undertaken for the implementation of the idea of ‘micro-containment’ zones. Also Read | Russia has developed medicines to detect and treat coronavirus: Russian President It is pertinent to mention that the festive season is around the corner and there are expectations that the Centre would open up more activities for Unlock 5.

Here’s what we can expect in Unlock 5 relaxations:

Economic activities:

The Ministry of home affairs (MHA) had already allowed public places like malls, salons, restaurants, and gyms to open with restrictions. Now, the MHA can likely revive more economic activities from October with physical distancing.

Unlock 5 Cinema Halls:

Ever since the lockdown was announced, the cinema halls have remained closed. The Multiplex Association of India has requested the government for permission but the MHA had given permission only for open-air theatres to resume operations, from September 21. In August, Amit Khare, Secretary, Information and broadcasting ministry, had submitted a sitting arrangement formula for the movie theatres, according to which the alternate seats in the first row and the next were to be kept vacant in an order to maintain social distancing. On Saturday, West Bengal became the first state to allow the theatres and cinema halls to open from October 1. Also Read | COVID-19: India occupies top position in the world in terms of total recoveries

Tourism:

The tourism sector which is one of the worst-hit sectors due to the Covid-19 lockdown witnessed some recovery with the reopening of tourist destinations, including the Taj Mahal. The tourism sector is likely to see more recovery during Unlock 5 as more tourist places are likely to open their doors for travelers.

Educational Institutions:

Several schools and colleges across India reopened from September 21 for the students of classes 9-12, on a voluntary basis. It is expected to continue for the next month, however, the primary classes might continue to stay closed in Unlock 5.0. The Universities and colleges have already started their admission tests and the new academic year may begin via online classes. -PTC News