No night curfew in next ‘Unlock’

NEWDELHI: The Centre on Wednesday issued guidelines for the third phase of lifting curbs imposed to stop the spread of Covid-19, announcing that gyms and yoga centres can reopen from August 5, while also removing a night curfew that restricted movement of people outside containment zones.

The new guidelines for “Unlock 3”, issued by the Union home ministry, will come into effect from August 1. Strict lockdown will continue in containment zones – areas that report clusters of the disease, an official statement said.

The latest guidelines said that schools, colleges, theatres, swimming pools, Metro rail, cinema halls and bars will continue to remain closed. Social, political, religious, sports, entertainment functions and other large congregations will also not be allowed.

Independence Day functions will be allowed with social distancing norms and health protocols in place.