Lockdown extends till June 30 with more relaxations: Malls, temples to re-open; decision on schools later

New Delhi : The nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus has been extended till June 30 with more relaxations announced. As per latest notification, malls, temples and restaurants will be allowed to re-open from June 8 onwards except containment zones or areas sealed because of coronavirus cases.

Hotels will also be allowed to reopen from June 8; but schools, cinemas, gyms and international flights will be reopened only after an assessment.

The night curfew timings have also been changed to 9 pm-5 am from earlier 7 pm-7am.

There will be no restriction on people and goods movement from one state to another, however, the states have a right to restrict it based upon their assessment. "The current phase of re-opening, Unlock 1, will have an economic focus," said the government, stating that the guidelines are based on extensive consultations held with States and Union Territories.

For areas outside containment zones, all activities will be allowed 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.

Only essential services will be allowed in the areas marked as containment zones. 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.