UNLOCK 5.0: Centre issues new guidelines. Here's what you need to know

Here are the guidelines for the Unlock 5.0:

• With up to 50% seating capacity, cinemas, theatres, multiplexes will be permitted to open and for which separate SOP will be issued by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.

• Business to Business (B2B) Exhibitions will be allowed to re-open and SOP will be issued by the Department of Commerce.

• Swimming pools for the training of sportspersons will be opened, SOP from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MoYA&S) will be issued.

• Entertainment and amusement parks will be allowed to report and SOPS will be issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW)

For the re-opening of schools and coaching institutions, the State and UT Governments have been given the freedom to take decisions after October 15, 2020. Decisions will be taken in consultation with the respective schools or institution management. Online or distance learning shall be continued and will be encouraged.

Further, students will be allowed to attend school only with the written consent of parents and attendance must not be enforced.

The States and UTs will have to prepare their own SOPs regarding health and safety precautions for re-opening schools and other educational institutions. Schools permitted to re-open will have to follow the SOP issued by the Education Departments of their respective States/UTs.

Unlock 5.0 is undoubtedly the most crucial as the number of religious festivals including

Durga Puja is scheduled in October. Further with the first phase of the Bihar Assembly Election which is on October 28, the center is likely to revise the guidelines concerning the number of people can gather in one place.

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