The coronavirus crisis is continuously increasing in the country. Meanwhile, Unlock 4 is ending on Wednesday(1, Oct). In such a situation, it is expected that on Tuesday, the guidelines of Unlock 5 can be announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs. To prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the nationwide lockdown, which began on March 24, began to be phased out in the month of July after being implemented in phases. Public spaces like malls, salons, restaurants, gyms have been opened so far in the four phases of unlock. In the previous guidelines issued under Unlock Four, children from 9th to 12th grade were allowed to go to conditional school, open places like gym, yoga center. Also read: UPSC Prelims 2020: Impossible to further postpone civil services exams: UPSC tells SC

Overall, only the most essential services have been allowed, while entertainment venues, such as cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks, etc. have not been opened. Public ceremonies have also not been allowed. At the same time, school-colleges and trains have not been fully opened. In such a situation, their permission is expected in the upcoming guidelines under Unlock 5. However, the possibility of opening primary schools is nil.

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In the recent meeting with chief ministers of the seven worst-affected states, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the CMs that steps must be taken to implement the idea of “micro-containment” zones. The prime minister also advised the chief ministers of these states, which included Delhi too, to refrain from imposing lockdowns and curfews for one or two days a week.

Here’s what all we can expect for Unlock 5.0:

Economic activities

While the MHA had allowed the resumption of activities at restaurants, malls, salons, and gyms, it is expected that more economic activities would be allowed from October with physical distancing.

PM Modi has also urged states to reassess containments and lockdowns in a way that curbs COVID spread. “Because of this, economic activity should not face problems… We have to increase our focus on effective testing, treating and surveillance, and clear messaging,” he said.

Cinema Halls

Speculations are rife that the Centre would allow the reopening of cinema halls from October 1.

In August, Information and Broadcasting Ministry Secretary Amit Khare had suggested the MHA a sitting arrangement formula for movie theatres. Khare had suggested that alternate seats in the first and next rows will be kept vacant to maintain social distancing.

West Bengal recently announced that cinema halls will be allowed to resume their activities from October 1, “with 50 participants or less”.

Tourism

The tourism sector, which is one of the worst-hit sectors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, may witness recovery in October as tourist destinations are finally opening their doors to travelers.

A few days ago, the Uttarakhand government allowed tourist entry to the state without any negative report or institutional quarantine rules.

Academics

On September 21, several schools across the country resumed their activities for students of Class 9-12 and the same is likely to continue for the next month. It is expected that primary classes would remain closed for a few more weeks.