Covid-19 crisis:Unlock 5.0 has been set in motion in India

1. Now under Unlock 5, states and UTs have been given the flexibility to permit all functions and congregations beyond the ceiling of 100 persons from October 15. In closed spaces, a maximum of 50 per cent of hall capacity will be allowed with a ceiling of 200 people. To ensure that such gatherings do not spread the virus, states and UTs will issue detailed SOPs.

2. For reopening of schools and coaching institutions, states will take a call after 15th October in a graded manner and schools will have to follow SOPs. Schools that can conduct online classes successfully will be allowed to continue them as is. Regardless, students may only attend school with the written consent of the parents and attendance will not be enforced.

3. cinemas and theatres will be permitted to open with 50 per cent capacity and B2B exhibitions will also be allowed to open; SOPs are to be released by the Department of Commerce regarding the same. Even entertainment parks and other such places will also reopen from October 15.

Since Unlock 2 on June 29th, there has been a new ‘edition’ of unlocking at the end of every following month — Unlock 3 on July 29th, Unlock 4 on August 29th, and Unlock 5 on September 30th. Based on how certain restrictions are still in place with respect to containment zones, international travel, etc, another set of easing is likely to follow by the end of October.