India continues curbs on international flights
NEW DELHI, October 1, 2020
India has announced the continuation of its ban on regular, scheduled incoming and outgoing international flights event as it opened up several sectors as part of its "Unlock-5" guidelines.
"International air travel of passengers, except as sanctioned by the Ministry of Home Affairs, shall not be permitted," the new guidelines said.
However, Business to Business (B2B) exhibitions will resume from October 15 six months after they were prohibited following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, said a Wam news agency report .
The Department of Commerce has been asked to draw up standard operating procedures for such exhibitions, India’s Home Ministry announced.
Cinemas and theatres will also be permitted to reopen from October 15 but only 50 per cent of their seating capacity will be allowed to be filled.
Swimming pools will continue to be closed for the general public but can be used for training of sportspersons from mid-October. Entertainment parks and similar places will be permitted to open under strict guidelines from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
State governments have been given the flexibility to decide on the reopening of schools in a graded manner from October 15.
Higher educational institutions only for research scholars and post-graduate students in science and technology stream requiring laboratory/ experimental works will be permitted to open from October 15.
Social, academic, sports, cultural, religious and political functions, which were hitherto permitted with a ceiling of 100 persons, can now take place with more attendance, the government said.
"In closed spaces, a maximum of 50 per cent of the hall capacity will be allowed, with a ceiling of 200 persons. Wearing of face masks, maintaining social distancing, provision for thermal scanning and use of hand wash or sanitizers will be mandatory."
