The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a fresh set of Covid-19 guidelines. The new rules will be followed from February 1, 2021. It will be effective till February 28, 2021. The new guidelines have been issued amid a steady decline in daily Covid numbers across the country. These guidelines are set up to combat the disease in affected areas. Also to check its spread in non affected areas.
As per the new rules, the MHA has allowed entry of all in swimming pools, which were previously opened for sportsperson only. It has allowed cinema halls to increase the ceiling on people indoors.
Here are the key highlights from MHA’s order:
1.All activities have been permitted outside containment zones, except a few which will be subject to strict adherence of SOPs.
2. The relaxation in social, religious, sports, entertainment, educational, cultural and religious gatherings will continue. These activities have already been permitted up to a maximum of 50 per cent of the hall capacity, with a ceiling of 200 people in closed spaces.
3. There shall be no restriction on inter-state and intra-state movement of people and goods including those for cross land-border trade under treaties with neighbouring countries. No separate permission/ approval/ e-permit will be required for such movements.
4. Swimming pools have already been permitted for use of sportspersons. Now, these will be permitted for use of all, for which a revised SOP will be issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in consultation with MHA.
5. Business to Business (B2B) exhibition halls have already been permitted. Now all types of exhibition halls will be permitted. A revised SOP will be issued by the Department of Commerce in consultation with MHA.
6.It also allows further opening up of international air travel of passengers, ministry of civil aviation (MOCA) may take a decision in consultation with MHA based on the assessment of the situation.
7. Containment zones, if required, shall be carefully demarcated by the district authorities at the micro-level, taking into consideration guidelines prescribed by the MoHFW in this regard.
8. The government order says that the national directives for Covid-19 management shall continue to be followed throughout the country, so as to enforce Covid-19 appropriate behaviour.
9. Persons above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women, and children below the age of 10 years are advised to take necessary precautions.
10. The use of Aarogya Setu mobile App will continue to be encouraged.
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