Unlock 3.0: Will schools, cinema halls, international flights restart? Here's what FICCI recommends

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has recommended easing the prohibitions on sectors such as aviation, sports, educational institutes, tourism and entertainment during Unlock 3.0 – a calibrated exit from the COVID-19 induced lockdown. Unlock 2.0 ends on July 31.

“As lockdown orders continue to be enforced in many parts of the country, businesses and livelihoods are under tremendous pressure due to the collapsed demand, layoffs, and wage reductions,” said FICCI.

While there has been a substantial easing of lockdown conditions in line with Phase I and Phase II of the order, Phase III remains a crucial decision for the country, said FICCI.

“As India prepares for Unlock 3.0, we need to look at lifting of existing restrictions keeping in mind 'Threat of COVID is not over yet and we need to remain vigilant',” said the industry body.

In view of the above, FICCI has submitted the following recommendations on allowing activities in different sectors that have been prohibited since lockdown while following suggested standard operating procedures (SOPs):

International air travel

> Government should allow foreigners to travel to India on a reciprocal basis.

> It may consider waiving off the requirement of quarantine for international passengers holding the ‘COVID-19 Negative’ certificate issued by the origin country.

> For Indian passengers travelling abroad, the government may identify and designate testing labs that will issue the 'COVID-19 Negative certificate and that would be accepted by other countries.

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Tourism and Hospitality

> Clear cut dates should be announced by the states and union territories to open tourism, monuments, tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants and bars.

> All restaurants and eateries in the hotel should be allowed to serve residents as well as non-resident guests, at 50 percent seating capacity while maintaining social distancing norms and all necessary precautions.

> For weddings and other events permission should be granted for hosting all kinds of banquet and conference in the hotel, however, a ceiling of 50 percent of venue capacity maintaining social distancing norm should be permitted enabling the hotel to earn some revenue when other sources of business have dried up.

> State borders can be opened to tourists.

> Allow bars to open. The service of liquors may be permitted in cases like order placed in Rooms through room service by the resident guests and service of liquors in restaurants where 50 percent capacity operation are permitted.

Educational institute

> The government may decide to open educational institutions and schools depending on the local situation of COVID cases, keeping in mind the safety of children.

> In case the government decides to open schools, strong adherence to safety protocols and SOPs like staggered student attendance, which means student strength commensurate to ensuring students are able to maintain two yards of distance at a given time.

> School Functions and Assemblies to be avoided until the further advisory is issued.

> Inculcate hand sanitising or washing every two hours as part of the schedule and sharing of items between students to be strictly avoided.

Cinema Halls

> Cinema halls and cultural centres should be opened.

> There should be compulsory non-invasive temperature checks for all guests when they enter the cinema building.

> Issue strict instructions and safety precautions to all the employees and staff working at the cinemas, encourage digital transactions and schedule movies with sufficient time gap to ensure there is no clash in timings of cinema entry, intervals and exits.

> Allow live events and performances with adhering to given SOPs.

> Masks should be compulsory for viewers, venues should be sanitised, 50 percent capacity to be the norm with a gap of at least one seat between people, and sanitisers to be available for guests use at visible locations of the venues are some of the SOPs suggested by the body.

Access the full document with FICCI recommendations here.