Centre allows opening all 3691 ASI monuments from July 8 as COVID cases cross 6 lakh mark

In a major decision, Centre on Thursday, has decided to open up all monuments across nation from July 6 - Monday. This decision was taken by in co-ordination with Archeological Survey of India (ASI), said Union Culture Minister Prahlad Singh Patel. 3,691 Centrally-protected monuments and archaeological sites maintained by ASI were shut from March 17 in view of COVID-19 crisis.

SOP for safe opening:

Culture Ministry okays opening of over 3,000 ASI-maintained monuments from June 8

Culture ministry allows opening of ASI monuments

In June, amid ongoing crisis, Centre had allowed over 3000 monuments maintained by ASI to reopen. Centre had mandated compliance of all coronavirus-related protocols issued by Union Health Ministry by monument authorities. Sources said that e-tickets and wearing masks might be made rm at such sites for visitors.

Despite Centre allowing reopening of all public monuments, most states kept monuments shut to avoid crowding. Reports state that 65 ASI monuments in Maharashtra, 28 in Rajasthan, 46 in Odisha, 75 in Tamil Nadu and nine in Jammu and Kashmir will remain closed due to COVID-19 conditions. Moreover, district authorities in Agra, decided that all 14 monuments - including Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri will remain shut.

Culture ministry d to open 820 ASI monuments which have places of worship from June 8

Lockdown extended till July 31 : Unlock-2

Extending existing Coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown, Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday, issued an order that lockdown on containment zones will continue till July 31. guidelines of 'Unlock 2' prohibits opening of educational institutions, international air travel, metro rail, cinema halls, bars, auditoriums, swimming pools, gymnasiums, and large congregations. MHA has shortened night curfew timing from 10 PM to 5 AM and stated national directives for COVID manment still apply.

Scindia warns Kamal Nath, says 'Tiger abhi zinda hai' as 12 ex-MLAs take oath as ministers

While India's positivity rate is at 6.66%, which is above 5% threshold, hinting at a rising trend, its recovery rate too has steadily increased to 59.52%. India's fatality rate has fallen to 2.94% - which is still one of lowest in world. India has 6,04,641 cases with 2,26,947 active cases and 3,59,860 recovered while 17,834 have died.   Prime Minister has reiterated people to follow social distancing as India begins to open up, kickstarting ecomy - leading to rise in cases too.

Coronavirus Live Updates: India ramps up testing to touch 1 cr soon; cases at 6,04,641