Unlock 4.0: What’s Opening And What Stays Closed?

The coronavirus lockdown seems to be almost at an end as the new Unlocking phase is coming up, which is Unlock 4.0. This fourth phase of Unlocking is all set to begin from September 1 and the government is heard to be planning to put the prohibited activities locked and remaining all will be allowed to resume.

The strict enforcement of lockdown in containment zones will continue all over the country. Let us see the list of activities that could see the opening in the new phase of the Unlocking process.

What’s Re-opening?

• The government is planning to bring the halted metro services back to work, but the passengers will no longer be allowed to use tokens for entry and exit. The stickers on physical distancing norms will be placed on platforms and seats as well, and also the new smart cards with the auto top-up facility will be introduced.
• The domestic flights from COVID-19 hotspots will be landing in Kolkata, as the West Bengal government has allowed them now.
• Bars may get permission to reopen but only to see liquor over the counter for takeaways.
• E-passes will remain mandatory in Chennai for interstate and inter-district movement. Also, the Tamil Nadu govt is planning to lift the restrictions on hotels and liquor shops in fourth phase unlocking.

What Remains Closed?

• The schools and colleges will stay closed, but higher educational institutions like IITs and IIMs are under consideration for reopening with many restrictions. Kolkata Schools and colleges are to remain closed until September 20.
• Movie theaters are to remain shut and may not see reopening until the next phase.
• Political, entertainment, academic, cultural, social, and religious functions, and other large congregations are likely to remain prohibited until next month.