Unlock 5.0: Schools, cinema halls to reopen from Oct 15

New Delhi: Buoyant over the improved recovery rate of Covid-19 cases and continuous dip in the case fatality rate, the government on Wednesday decided to reopen schools, coaching institutions and cinema halls from October 15.

However, the Centre has left it to the states to take the final call on reopening of schools in consultation with the respective managements. Also, the lockdown will continue in force in all containment zones till October 31.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in its guidelines for Unlock 5.0 on Wednesday allowed more relaxations and fewer restrictions despite the country witnessing a steep rise in fresh Covid cases.

The total cases of Coronavirus mounted to 62.25 lakh, including over 51.87 recoveries and 97,497 deaths due to the disease, so far.

As per the Unlock 5.0 guidelines, cinemas/theatres/multiplexes will be permitted to open with up to 50 per cent of their seating capacity and the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting would issue a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in this regard.

"For reopening of schools and coaching institutions, state/UT governments have been given the flexibility to take a decision after October 15 in a graded manner. The decision should be taken in consultation with the respective school/institution management, based on their assessment of the situation," the MHA said.

The SOP for school reopening would be issued by state governments, while students cannot be 'forced' to attend classes as it depends entirely on parental consent.

Students, who don't want to join school physically, would be allowed to continue online classes and they would get to attend schools/institutions only with the written consent of parents.

Other activities that have been allowed in Unlock 5.0 include business to business (B2B) exhibitions, swimming pools being used for training of sportspersons, entertainment parks and similar places. The detailed SOPs would be issued by their concerned ministries in this regard.

India has announced to extend the ban on international flights till October 31. However, the government will continue to operate international flights under the air bubble pact with 13 different countries, including the US, UK, UAE.