Unlock 4 in Uttar Pradesh: Weekend lockdowns to continue; schools, colleges remain shut till September 30

Amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak, India is relaxing the economic activities in the country in a phased manner under the 'Unlock 4' guidelines so that the economy doesn't take a serious hit due to the pandemic. As far as Uttar Pradesh is concerned, the Yogi Adityanath-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the state has laid down some guidelines that are to be followed under the 'Unlock 4.0' phase of economic relaxations.

Schools, colleges, and educational institutions are to remain closed till September 30, the 'Unlock 4' guidelines detailed. However, from September 21 onwards, 50% of the teaching and non-teaching staff in schools and colleges can be called for online education work. 

Meanwhile, swimming pools, entertainment parks, auditoriums, theatres, and cinema halls are to remain closed. However, open-air theatres will be allowed to open doors from September 21 onwards.

Lockdown to not be implemented at the local level

Most of the points in the set of guidelines issued by state chief secretary Rajendra Kumar Tiwari are in line with the guidelines issued by the central government. The guidelines say those district magistrates outside of the containment zones will no longer be able to implement any sort of lockdown at the local level. However, the weekend lockdowns on Saturdays and Sundays are to continue as usual, along with the protocols that come with them. According to the guidelines, metro train services will be initiated in a phased manner from September 7. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in this regard will be issued separately later.

Social functions allowed but with restrictions

From September 21 onwards, all social, academic, sports, entertainment, cultural, religious, and political events, as well as other collective and community activities will be allowed to take place, but only a maximum of 100 people will be permitted to participate.

In the meanwhile, the use of face masks, adherence to social distancing norms, and ensuring provisions of thermal scanning, hand-wash, and sanitiser will be mandatory.

In addition, a maximum of 100 people will be able to attend wedding ceremonies and funerals from September 21 onwards. So far, only 30 and 20 people, respectively, had been allowed to participate on these occasions.

Industrial training to begin

Required skills and vocational training will be arranged for National Skill Training Institutes, Industrial Training Institutes, National Skill Development Corporation and State Skill Development Campaigns or in short-term training centres registered with the State Government or the Central Government.

National Institute of Entrepreneurship and Small Business and Development, Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship, and Entrepreneurship Development Institute, Uttar Pradesh, will also be allowed to impart their training. The system will come into effect from September 21. The operational process for the same will be released by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.