The country is set to reopen further from Thursday (October 15) with schools, cinema halls, swimming pools, multiplexes, entertainment parks --all outside containment zones-- opening with strict COVID-19 norms in place.
As the Centre issued guidelines for Unlock 5, the country is set to reopen further from Thursday (October 15) with schools, cinema halls, swimming pools, multiplexes, entertainment parks --all outside containment zones-- opening with strict COVID-19 norms in place.
On October 3, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced for the opening up of more activities in areas outside containment zones and issued guidelines for the same.
Schools, colleges to reopen
While the Centre has approved reopening of schools in a graded manner, it has given state governments the right to decide on reopening of schools. However, some states are still concerned about the reopening of schools as it can lead to an immediate acceleration in the number of coronavirus cases causing a major health risk.
Cinema halls/multiplexes
As per the new guidelines, Cinemas/theatres/multiplexes will be permitted to open with up to 50% of their seating capacity with adequate physical distancing of at least 6 feet, wearing of masks, availability of hand sanitisers.
Entertainment parks
Before the activities are resumed, all areas of public utility, work areas and open spaces would have to be sanitised. Once the activities have resumed, such sanitisation drives would have to be carried out regularly.
Swimming pools
The SOPs for reopening swimming pools, as released by the sports ministry, state a maximum of only 20 swimmers can train during a session in an Olympic-sized pool.
1. Schools, colleges to reopen
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Most states, including Delhi and Maharashtra, have decided not to reopen schools, for now, others like Punjab and Uttar Pradesh have announced the reopening of schools--October 15 in Punjab and October 19 in Uttar Pradesh.
Guidelines for reopening of schools issued by the central government include online/distance learning, written permission from parents to attend, classes in shifts, flexibility in attendance, no assessment for up to three weeks etc.
2. Cinema halls/multiplexes
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As per the new guidelines, Cinemas/theatres/multiplexes will be permitted to open with up to 50% of their seating capacity with adequate physical distancing of at least 6 feet, wearing masks, availability of hand sanitisers.
3. Cinema halls/multiplexes
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Seats that are 'not to be occupied' shall be marked as such during booking (for both online booking and at the box office sale of tickets). Staggered show timings shall be followed for multiple screens to avoid crowding.
Customers shall be encouraged to use cinema apps/QR codes, etc. for ordering food as much as possible. Only packaged food and beverages shall be allowed.
4. Entertainment parks
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Before the activities are resumed, all areas of public utility, work areas and open spaces would have to be sanitised. Once the activities have resumed, such sanitisation drives would have to be carried out regularly.
Cleaning and sanitisation of frequently touched surfaces would need to be undertaken daily before the entertainment parks are opened, after they've been closed for the day, and at other "appropriate times".
Apart from that, swimming pools in such entertainment parks must remain closed.
5. Swimming pools
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The SOPs for reopening swimming pools, as released by the sports ministry, state a maximum of only 20 swimmers can train during a session in an Olympic-sized pool.
While swimmers have been directed to submit 'obligatory self-declaration,' residential trainees will have to submit a mandatory Covid-19 negative report.
Each training centre will have a Covid-19 task force to guide and monitor trainees, coaches and staff.
