MHA issues guidelines for 'Unlock 2.0'; schools, colleges will remain closed till July 31

NEW DELHI: The Home Ministry on Monday issued a set of guidelines for 'Unlock 2' which will come into force from July 1 extending the process of phased re-opening of activities including expanding in a calibrated manner domestic flights and passenger trains.

An MHA release said that schools, colleges and coaching institutions will remain closed till July 31 and the decision has been taken after consulting all states.

It added metro rail, cinema halls, gymnasiums, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places will also remain shut.

Similarly, social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural, religious functions and other large congregations will continue to be disallowed.

It further stated that training institutions of the central and state governments will be allowed to function with effect from July 15 and SOP in this regard will be issued by the Department of Personnel and Training.

Meanwhile, lockdown shall continue to remain in force in the containment zone till July 31 and only essential services will be allowed.

Night curfew timings have been further relaxed and curfew shall be in force from 10 pm to 5 am.

"Dates for opening of these will be decided separately, based on the assessment of the situation," the home ministry said.

Domestic and international (under the Vande Bharat mission) flights and passenger trains, already operational in a limited manner, will be further expanded in a calibrated manner, it said.