Centre issues Unlock 3 guidelines: Ends night curfew, gyms to open from August 5

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Gymnasiums and yoga institutes will open from August 5, night curfew will end even as educational institutions, metro rail services and cinema halls will remain shut till the end of August, according to the guidelines for Unlock 3 issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on July 29.

Swimming pools and entertainment parks to remain shut and all kinds of social, political or religious gatherings are prohibited.

Lockdown measures were to be strictly enforced in containment zones till August 31.

The MHA said Independence Day functions would be allowed with social distancing and by following other health protocols such as wearing of masks etc.

“After extensive consultation with States and union territories, it has been decided that schools, colleges and coaching institutions will remain closed till August 31,” the MHA said.

International air travel of passengers had been permitted in a limited manner under the Vande Bharat mission, and “further opening up will take place in a calibrated manner.”

The MHA said only essential activities would be allowed in containment zones as per the guidelines.

“Lockdown will continue to be implemented strictly in the containment zones till August 31. The containment zones are required to be carefully demarcated by the State/UT governments with a view to containing the spread of COVID-19, after taking into consideration the guidelines issued by the Health Ministry,” the MHA said, as published on The Hindu.

Also read: Assam: COVID-19 positive jail inmate escapes hospital in Kokrajhar

The Home Ministry reiterated that States, based on their assessment of the situation, might prohibit certain activities outside the containment zones, or impose such restrictions as deemed necessary.

“However, there will be no restriction on inter-State and intra-State movement of persons and goods. No separate permission/ approval/ e-permit will be required for such movements,” the MHA stated.

It said vulnerable persons, i.e., persons above 65 years, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women, and children below the age of 10, were advised to stay at home, except for meeting essential requirements and for health purposes.

Trains and international air travel would continue to be allowed in a limited manner as per the guidelines.

Malls, restaurants and religious places were allowed to open in all areas except containment zones from June 8 as per the guidelines..

India has recorded 15,83,792 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 34,193 deaths. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Gujarat have reported the highest number of cases. However, infections are rising rapidly in states like Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Yet, India’s recovery rate continues to rise and now stands at 64.4 percent. Globally, there have been over 1.69 crore confirmed cases of COVID-19. More than 6.63 lakh people have died so far.

Among the states, Maharashtra is the first state to cross 13 thousand deaths. It has recorded 146433 active corona cases, 239755 cured and 14463 deaths. The western state is followed by Delhi and Tamil Nadu. Delhi has 10770 active corona cases, 118633 cured and 3907 deaths. Tamil Nadu has 57490 active cases, 3741 deaths. Gujarat with 13535 active COVID-19 cases, 43195 cured and 2396 deaths.