MHA allows cinemas, entertainment parks to open from October 15

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) came out with its Unlock 5 set of guidelines allowing cinemas, theatres and multiplexes up to 50 percent of their capacity and entertainment parks to open from October 15. Separate standard operating procedure (SOP) guidelines will be issued with respect to the reopening.

Among other relaxations, the MHA allowed swimming pools being used for training of sportspersons to open. Besides, B2B (business-to-business) exhibitions have also been allowed to open.

The size for gatherings for social/academic/sports/entertainment/cultural/religious/political functions has been increased from 100 to 200 as long as it is below 50 percent of a hall capacity for closed spaces and subject to social distancing rules in open spaces.

The central government has also allowed states and union territories to decide on re-opening of schools and coaching institutions after October 15. "The decision shall be taken in consultation with the respective school/institution management, based on their assessment of the situation," the MHA said, subject to the below conditions.

Online/distance learning to be the preferred mode of teaching and shall be encouraged.

Where schools are conducting online classes, and some students prefer to attend online classes rather than physically attend school, they may be permitted to do so.

Students may attend institutions only with written consent of parents.

Attendance must not be enforced, and must depend entirely on parental consent.

States/UTs will prepare their own SOP regarding health and safety precautions for reopening of institutions, based on central government SOP and keeping local requirements in view.

Schools, which are allowed to open, will have to mandatorily follow the SOP to be issued by the education departments of states/UTs prepared as above.

The Centre continued its previous guidelines, such as on travel through trains, Vande Bharat and air transport bubble flights etc.

It also said there would be no restrictions on intra state and interstate movement of persons and goods.

Besides, face coverings and social distancing will continue to be followed in public places. Sptting in public places will be punishable.