The fourth phase of coronavirus COVID-19 lockdown relaxations is set to end on September 30 and Unlock 5.0 will begin from October 1. It is to be noted that the Centre is yet to announce any guideline for Unlock 5.0 but it is expected that many new relaxations will be given in the next phase of unlock.

In the recent meeting with chief ministers of the seven worst-affected states, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the CMs that steps must be taken to implement the idea of “micro-containment” zones. The prime minister also advised the chief ministers of these states, which included Delhi too, to refrain from imposing lockdowns and curfews for one or two days a week.

As India is set to enter the festive season, speculations are rife that Centre would announce a series of relaxations and open up more activities for the public.

Notably, while issuing the guidelines for Unlock 4, the Ministry of Home Affairs had specified that individual states cannot impose lockdowns on their own without consulting the Centre.

Here’s what all we can expect for Unlock 5.0:

Economic activities

While the MHA had allowed the resumption of activities at restaurants, malls, salons and gyms, it is expected that more economic activities would be allowed from October with physical distancing.

PM Modi has also urged states to reassess containments and lockdowns in a way that curbs COVID spread. “Because of this, economic activity should not face problems… We have to increase our focus on effective testing, treating and surveillance, and clear messaging,” he said.