Unlock 1.0—What does lockdown 5.0 mean for interstate travel and ePass?

As the pandemic situation starts to settle, India announces the roadmap for lockdown 5.0 extension till June 30 concerning interstate travel, ePass requirement and night curfew timings. If you plan to travel during lockdown 5.0 aka unlock 1.0, here’s everything you need to know.

The eased lockdown 5.0 protocol lets people travel anywhere in India without interstate ePasses—with a catch!

From 01.06.2020
●Within Containment Zones, #Lockdown restrictions to continue till 30.06.2020
●#Unlock1 All activities to be relaxed in phased manner outside containment zones, as per @MoHFW_INDIA guidelines
●States may impose restrictions/prohibit activities as per assessment pic.twitter.com/LDbmvf6Gfa

— Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) May 30, 2020

About unlock 1.0, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) clearly reads: “In areas outside containment zones, all activities will be permitted including interstate travel without any special permits. Some activities like visiting the cinema halls and gymnasiums will stay prohibited, and the reopening will be considered in phase 3 as the situation evolves.”

However, the catch says—”If individual States/Union Territories, based on their assessment of the situation, may prohibit activities outside the containment zone”, and that “restrictions will be imposed if deemed necessary.” Although, the night curfew on the free movement of people from 9 PM to 5 AM is here to stay until advised otherwise.

From June 8th, places of worship, malls, restaurants, and hotels outside the containment zone will be allowed to function in phase 1 of unlock 1.0. Schools, colleges, sports events, metro rails and cinema halls will resume in phase 2 or 3 of unlock 1.0 in a harmonized manner, after deliberate assessment of the phase 1 response.

Is the new lockdown 5.0 protocol uniform across all states?

Almost, with certain differences—

Tamil Nadu – Till June 30

• Reduced public transport from June 1st except in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Chengalpet
• More attendance at workplaces

Maharashtra – Till June 30

• Self-employed services such as electrical and household care to resume from June 3
• Private organizations to resume with 10% attendance
• Cinema, serial and ad shoots to be permitted if deemed eligible by local government

Delhi

Delhi govt. says the state will soon come up with its own lockdown protocols and that the borders are to stay closed for a week.

Karnataka – Till June 30

The protocol is in line with the centre’s protocol—places of worship and hangout places such as malls and restaurants will open from June 8.

Punjab – Till June 30

The protocol is in line with the centre’s protocol.

Madhya Pradesh – Till June 15

The protocol is in line with the centre’s protocol, except for the reopening of schools and colleges from June 13.

Read more: Quarantine rules for domestic air travel

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