Unlock 5.0: From cinema halls to swimming pools, here is what all can open from October 1

The fifth phase of unlock will come into effect from October 1 and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs is expected to announce a new set of guidelines between today and tomorrow. The biggest announcement can come in the form of re-opening of cinema halls that have been shut for over six months now. The new guidelines are also likely to factor in the upcoming festive season, where physical activities are likely to increase.  

In the last set of guidelines, the MHA had allowed malls, salons, restaurants and gyms to operate. However, no announcement was made in regards to restrictions on cinema halls, swimming pools and entertainment parks.  

Notably, open-air theatres were allowed to resume operations from September 21. Also, West Bengal became the first state to announce that cinema halls will be  allowed to operate in the state from October 1 but with a limited number of participants. 

“To return to normalcy, Jatras, Plays, OATs, Cinemas & all musical, dance, recital & magic shows shall be allowed to function with 50 participants or less from 1 Oct, subject to adherence to physical distancing norms, wearing of masks & compliance to precautionary protocols,” Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said. 

Keeping in mind the festive season, more tourism centres and tourist places would open its doors for visitors. The Sikkim government has announced that it will allow hotels, home-stays and other tourism-related services to restart operations from October 10. 

The revised guidelines issued by Uttarakhand government said that it is no longer mandatory for tourists to carry a coronavirus negative report.  

Maharashtra government announced on Monday (September 28) that restaurants across the state will be allowed to provide dine-in service from the first week of October.  

To recall, in the Unlock 4.0 phase, the MHA had allowed metro trains to resume services from 7 September in a graded manner. Political, social and religious gatherings of up to 100 people were also permitted from September 21.