The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), on September 30, released guidelines for ‘Unlock 5.0’ which will remain in place till October 31. The guidelines allow for further relaxation of restrictions on activities outside of containment zones.
The government has allowed cinema halls, theatres and multiplexes to reopen, with 50 percent capacity, from October 15. Standard operating procedure for the same would be issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
The Centre has asked states and Union Territories to take a call on reopening of schools from October 15.
Also read | Unlock 5.0 Guidelines: From cinemas to restaurants; what’s allowed, what isn’t
Easing restrictions on public gatherings, the government has said states can now allow social, cultural and religious congregations involving more than 100 people. However, these events would have to abide by physical distancing and strict safety measures.
The Sikkim government has allowed hotels, homestays and other tourism-related services to restart operations from October 10, officials said on September 19.
The Himalayan state has also decided to open its border with West Bengal for unrestricted movement of vehicles from October 1, they said.
A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the hotels and the tourism sector is expected soon, they added.
Bookings for hotels and homestays will start from September 27, officials said.
While the odd-even road rationing rule for public vehicles will be lifted from October 1, it may continue for private vehicles, they said.
The odd-even rule, which was first implemented in Delhi to tackle air pollution by limiting the number of cars as per the last digit of their registration number, was also imposed in Sikkim to reduce movement amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
Vehicles will not be allowed to ply except those authorised or engaged in essential services, as per a state Home Department order.
State government offices will operate with 30 percent staff, and all shops, except those selling essential items, will remain closed, it said.
Meanwhile, Sikkim's COVID-19 tally rose to 2,790 on September 29 as 38 more people tested positive for the disease while one fresh fatality pushed the coronavirus death to toll 33, an official said.
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