Nationwide lockdown extended to June 30; religious places, hotels, malls to open from June 8

The nationwide lockdown following the coronavirus outbreak in the country has been extended up to June 30 in containment zones. Termed ‘Unlock 1’, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday issued fresh guidelines relaxing the nationwide lockdown, the fourth phase of which ends on May 31. In the new directives, the Union home ministry said re-opening of prohibited activities in areas outside containment zones will be done in a phased manner from June 1.

It said the lockdown, the fourth phase of which ends on Sunday, will remain in force in containment zones till June 30. Activities such as the opening of religious places of worship for public, hotels, restaurants and other hospitality services will be allowed from June 8. Also, shopping malls will be allowed to function from June 8.

However, schools, colleges, educational, training, coaching institutions will be opened after consultations with states and UTs. The night curfew timing has been revised. Now, the movement of individuals prohibited between 9 pm and 5 am across the country. Meanwhile, the decision on restarting international air travel, Metro trains, cinema halls, gym, a political gathering will be taken after assessing the situation, MHA stated.