Most directives in line with MHA norms: States issue guidelines on opening up

New Delhi | Mumbai | Guwahati | Hyderabad: State governments issued fresh guidelines allowing the resumption of a number of activities including malls and market areas, a day after the Centre issued a blueprint for restarting economic activities outside containment zones. Most of the directives were in line with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) guidelines on reopening the economy, with Maharashtra dubbing its initiative Mission Begin Again.
Restrictions will remain in force in containment zones and the municipal corporation areas of Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Pune, Nagpur and Aurangabad. In phase 1 of the easing starting June 3, individuals in these areas will be allowed to exercise in open public spaces including beaches, playgrounds, gardens and promenades between 5 am and 7 pm. From June 5, all markets, market areas and shops, except malls and market complexes, will be allowed to function on an odd-even basis from 9 am to 5 pm. The movement of individuals will be prohibited between 9 pm and 5 am except for essential activities, according to the Maharashtra guidelines.

Uttar Pradesh will restrict entry of people from Delhi containment zones.

Reopening Schools and Colleges
“There will be prohibition on entry of people from containment zones/hotspot areas in Delhi to Gautam Buddh Nagar and Ghaziabad,” said additional chief secretary, home, Awanish Awasthi. “All government offices will operate with 100% workforce. Staggered timings will be followed — 9 am to 5 pm, 10 am to 6 pm and 11 am to 7 pm.”

He added that all markets will remain open from 9 am to 9 pm. Supermarkets will be allowed to open with distancing and other precautionary measures. Weekly markets will be allowed in rural areas. Salons and beauty parlours will be allowed to open as long as distancing is maintained. Staff should wear face shields and gloves. The Uttar Pradesh guidelines allow state transport buses to operate on the condition that passengers don’t exceed the seating capacity.

West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh extended lockdown measures until June 15 in containment zones. In West Bengal, places of worship will open from June 1. Not more than 10 people will be allowed in gatherings while shopping malls, restaurants and hotels can reopen on June 8.

The Rajasthan Government has issued guidelines for June 1-30. Shops, beauty parlours, community parks will open while following physical distancing guidelines and other precautions. Government offices will function at full strength. Bihar said containment zones will remain shut until June 30 under the state disaster management act.

Haryana and Delhi are also expected to issue revised guidelines. The Chandigarh administration has imposed a night curfew from 9 pm to 5 am.

In Karnataka, guidelines on lockdown measures will remain in force in until June 30 in containment zones. Religious places and places of worship, hotels, restaurants and other hospitality services and shopping malls will be permitted to open from June 8.

Telangana extended the lockdown in containment zones until June 30 while announcing relaxations in all other areas. Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao has instructed officials to implement the lockdown strictly in containment zones. Shops can stay open until 8 pm and the night curfew will run from 9 pm to 5 am daily. It has decided to remove restrictions on inter-state travel. Jammu and Kashmir has extended lockdown measures until June 8.

The Union home secretary had written to state chief secretaries on Saturday seeking their feedback on the reopening of schools and colleges in the third phase from July 1 onwards. The MHA asked states to consult all stakeholders in the education sector on the reopening of schools and colleges and send feedback to the Centre to enable it to take a decision on the schedule for re-starting academic activities.

Maharashtra has allowed relaxations in three phases. In the first phase, outdoor activities such as cycling, walking and jogging have been permitted from June 3 between 5 am and 7pm. No group activities will be allowed. Electricians, plumbers, garages and workshops have been allowed to function in the first phase. Essential goods shops and ecommerce will be permitted to function. Government offices will function with up to 15% staffing.

In the second phase, markets and shops in Mumbai will be allowed to open from June 5. Shops will be allowed to open on an odd-even basis — alternating between those on the left and right side of any road. The rule will not be applicable to markets complexes and malls, which remain shut.

Under the third phase from June 8, private offices have been permitted to start work with 10% attendance except in containment zones, even in MMR, Pune and other Covid-19 affected districts. Taxis and autorickshaws have been allowed to operate for essential services. However, they will not be allowed in containment zones.