BY KIRTI KASHYAP ‘TAIJAS’
Source: INDIA TV
As the death toll passed the one lakh mark, India on Wednesday issued fresh guidelines of lockdown in ‘Unlock 5.0’, allowing opening up of more activities in areas lying outside the containment zones, marking the gradual opening of the country and the sinking economy amid the pandemic.
Cinemas/ theatres/ multiplexes will be permitted to open after 15th of this month but only with half of its capacity to practice physical distancing, for which, SOPs will be issued by the MoIB. Business to Business exhibitions will be permitted to open after 15th October, for which, SOP will be issued by the Ministry of Commerce. Swimming pools being used only for training of sportspersons will be permitted to open, for which the standard operating procedure will be issued by MoYA&S and along with it entertainment parks and similar places will be permitted to open, for which the SOP will be issued by MoHFW. All these activities are permitted only after 15th of this month, after observing the route of pandemic.
The reopening of educational institutions was a constant question of concern amongst the public. For the reopening of schools and coaching institutions, State and UT Governments have been given the flexibility to decide on it only after 15th October,2020 that too in a graded manner. The decision has to be taken in consultation with the respective school or institution management, based on their assessment of the situation. Their assessment is subject to the following conditions:
- Online learning will continue to be the preferred mode of teaching and will be encouraged.
- Where schools are conducting online classes and some students prefer to attend online classes rather than physically attending schools, they may be permitted to do so.
Students can attend schools and other institutions only with the written consent of their parents. Attendance must not be enforced on anyone, and must depend entirely on the consent of parents.
States /UTs will have to prepare their own SOPs regarding health and safety precautions for reopening of schools and other educational institutions based on the SOP to be issued by DoSEL, Ministry of Education, Government of India, keeping local requirements in view.
It would be mandatory for the schools to follow the SOP issued by the Education department of their State or UT. Department of Higher Education (DHE) under Ministry of Education will take a decision on the timing of the opening of Colleges and Higher Education Institutions, in consultation with MHA, based on the assessment of the prevailing situation. Online learning shall continue to be the preferred mode of teaching and shall be encouraged by all Colleges and Higher Education Institutions.
Sources: New Indian Express
However, Higher Education Institutions only for Ph.D. research scholars and post-graduate students in science and technology (requiring laboratory and experimental work) will be permitted to open from 15th October, 2020, provided that:
For Centrally Funded Higher Education Institutions, the Head of Institution will satisfy herself/ himself that there is a genuine requirement of research scholars and post-graduate students in science and technology branch for laboratory/experimental works.
For all other Higher Education Institutions e.g. State Universities and colleges or Private Universities and colleges etc., they may open only for research scholars (Ph.D) and postgraduate students in science and technology branch requiring laboratory works as per decision to be taken by their respective State or UT Government.
Election seasons are on hence it is mandatory for the government to allow social gatherings. Certain norms are laid down which must be followed at all costs. Social, academic, sports, entertainment, cultural, religious, political functions and other congregations were already been permitted with a limit of 100 people, only outside the Containment Zones. Now it is on the State and UT Governments to permit such gatherings beyond the limit of 100 people, outside Containment Zones, after 15th October 2020. These permissions will be subject to the following conditions:
In closed spaces like halls, etc., a maximum of 50% of the total capacity will be allowed, with a limit of 200 people. Wearing of face masks, maintaining physical distancing, performing for thermal scanning and screening of people and use of hand wash or sanitizer will be mandatory.
In open spaces like fields, etc., keeping the size of the ground or available space in view, under strict provisions of physical distancing, wearing of face masks, provision for thermal scanning and screening and usage of hand sanitizer.
To ensure that such gatherings do become a source for the spread COVID-19, State and UT Governments will issue detailed SOPs to regulate such gatherings and congregations.
Lockdowns will continue to be implemented strictly in the containment areas till 31st of October, 2020. Containment Zones shall be demarcated by the District level authorities at micro level after taking into consideration the guidelines of MoHFW. Strict containment measures are to be enforced in these containment zones and only essential services will be allowed. These Containment Zones should be notified on the websites of the respective DCs and by the States and UTs and information will also be shared with MOHFW. States will not be authorized to impose any local lockdown outside Containment areas without prior consultation with the Central Government.
The National Directives for COVID-19 management must be continued and followed throughout the nation, with a view to ensure physical distancing. Shops are required to maintain adequate physical distancing among customers. MHA will be monitoring the effective implementation of National Directives. Vulnerable people, i.e., persons above 65 years of age, people with co-morbidities, pregnant women, and children below the age of 10 years, are all advised to stay at home, except for meeting any essential requirements or for any health related purposes.
Sources: Zee News
As mentioned in the beginning, the death toll in India has crossed one lakh mark. Opening up of lockdown will lead to further spike in the COVID-19 graph. The data from NITI AAYOG suggests that the winter of 2020 will be the worst time for Indians as there will be further rise in the COVID-19 cases. Increase in cases means increase in death. Notwithstanding the fact that opening of schools is necessary, it should be discouraged because opening schools amidst a pandemic means deliberately sending children into the mouth of death. The government has yet not made it clear that who will be held responsible for the deaths that are taking place. The economy must be opened and strong steps must be taken to boost the industries and the MSMEs because they form the basis of our economy. The agricultural infrastructure must be strengthened and the migrant workers must be given jobs under MANREGA. Schools, colleges, Universities and other educational institutions must be closed till December of this year and online methods of teachings should be prompted. Other than this there should be a strict lockdown (only if economy permits and supports) of 40 days and rapid testing should be carried out in that period so as to put a full stop on this increasing number of cases. People should not loose hope. Together we can, together we will!