Unlock 4.0 guidelines are here – Metro to resume services, social gatherings of 100 allowed, schools and colleges to stay shut

• The Indian government has announced the guidelines for Unlock 4.0 – the fourth phase of unlocking the economy.
• Schools and colleges will stay shut till September 30.
• Social and religious gatherings will now have a limit of 100 people.

The Indian government has announced the guidelines for Unlock 4.0 – the fourth phase of unlocking the economy.

According to the new norms, metro is set to resume services in phases from September 7. "Metro rail will be allowed to operate with effect from September 7 in a graded manner, by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA)/Ministry of Railways (MOR), in consultation with MHA. In this regard, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be issued by MOHUA," said the guidelines.

All social/ academic/ sports/ entertainment/ cultural/ religious/ political gatherings will now have a limit of 100 people, with effect from September 21, 2020. However, these gatherings will continue to have the mandatory rule of wearing masks and social distancing will have to be followed.

However, schools and colleges will stay shut till September 30. The government said that the decision has been taken after careful consideration and discussions with various states. But the guidelines also state that starting September 21, states and union territories will be allowed to call 50% of the teaching and non-teaching staff to the schools for online counselling and related work.

Also, in containment zones, lockdown shall continue to be implemented strictly till September 30

According to the guidelines, open air theatres will be allowed to function from September 21, 2020.

With the new rules, there shall 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, said the government.

"Shops will need to maintain adequate physical distancing among customers. MHA will monitor the effective implementation of National Directives", added the statement.