New Delhi: The Union government has been extended nation-wide lockdown to fight Covid-19 till June 30. The ministry of home affairs in its orders said that Malls, Restaurants and Religious places can open from June 8, except in containment zones or areas sealed because of large number Covid-19 infected cases.

Hotels and restaurants will also be allowed from June 08 but cinemas, schools and international flights will be re-opened only after an assessment, the home ministry said in new guidelines on Saturday ordering phased re-opening of areas outside containment zones. Night curfew timings will be changed from 09:00pm to 05:00am instead of 07:00pm to 07:00am in the lockdown 4.0.

There will be no restrictions on the movement of people or goods within states and between states. But states can decide whether to regulate movement based on their assessment. In its order the MHA said that the guidelines are issued on the basis of on extensive consultation held with states and UTs. All activities banned earlier will be opened up in areas outside Containment Zones in a phased manner, with SOPs to be prescribed by the Health Ministry.

A decision on reopening schools and colleges will be taken in July, after consultations with states, parents and other stake-holders. International flights, metros, cinemas, gyms, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres and bars will also be allowed only after more consultations, “based on the assessment of the situation”, said the ministry. Social, political, religious, cultural and other gatherings will stay banned for now. In containment zones, only essential activities will be allowed till June 30. Exits and entry will be strictly controlled and there will be intensive contact tracing and house-to-house surveillance in these areas, the government said.

Alongside the guidelines, the government reiterated the new normal for life after Covid-19 compulsory face cover in public places, social distancing and not more than five persons at shops, not more than 50 wedding guests and not more than 20 people at funerals, Work From Home as much as possible, staggered work or business hours and thermal scanners and frequent sanitization.