Unlock 5.0: What relaxations to expect in October ahead of festive season amid COVID-19?

Union Home Ministry is set to anunce fifth phase of COVID-19 lockdown relaxations ahead of a long festive season as fourth phase ends on September 30. With industries reeling from COVID-19 response, Unlock 5.0 hold significance as businesses expect a steep surge in consumer demand ahead of festive season. 

Malls, restaurants, salons, and or public places were gradually allowed to operate with certain restrictions but cinema halls and entertainment parks remain shut. Multiplex Association of India has publically appealed to Government of India to reopen cinema halls once again, citing huge financial loss due to lockdown.

Cinema Halls

association said that y have been suffering a monthly loss of up to Rs 1,500 crores and government might pay heed to ir request under Unlock 5.0.  In August, Information and Broadcasting ministry secretary Amit Khare had suggested a seating arrangement formula for cinema halls. West Bengal has already given a go-ahead to cinema halls for operating from October 1 with a limited number of participants.

“To return to rmalcy, Jatras, Plays, OATs, Cinemas & all musical, dance, recital & magic shows shall be allowed to function with 50 participants or less from October 1, subject to adherence to physical distancing rms, wearing of masks & compliance to precautionary protocols,” Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said.

Read: Unlock 4.0: Haryana Withdraws Order On Weekly Lockdowns Following MHA Guidelines

Read: Uttarakhand Government Issues New Guidelines For Inter-state Travel Under Unlock 4

Tourism

tourism sector has been ar important industry heavily impacted by coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. States are gradually anuncing opening of hotels, home-stays and or tourism-related services. Uttarakhand government has already removed mandatory two-days stay in a hotel or homestay and a COVID-19 negative report for tourists.

Odisha has anunced reopening of all tourist destinations from October and tourism department has reportedly prepared a masterplan to promote major tourist destinations. Sikkim government has decided to open its border with West Bengal for unrestricted movement from October 1 and allow tourism-related services from October 10.

Schools

Meanwhile, primary schools are expected to remain close for a few more weeks after several schools across country have resumed ir activities from September 21. Universities and colleges have already started entrance tests and counselling for new academic year and are set to start online classes.

Read: Unlock 4: Centre Releases SOP For Resumption Of Metro Services Amid COVID-19 Crisis

Read: Covid-19: In Unlock 4, Maharashtra Govt Eases Curbs On Hotels, Inter-district Movement