As the Centre is rolling out Unlock 5.0 in a phased manner, several states took several major decisions especially on re-opening of schools, colleges and cinema halls. As the coronavirus cases are slowly decreasing in the country, several states have allowed the reopening the schools and colleges from November 2, but there are some states which are yet to allow the reopening of schools and colleges before November 16.
States such as Andra Pradesh and Assam have opened schools with strict COVID-19 guidelines, on the other hand Haryana, Odisha, Tamil Nadu are planning to reopen educational institutes from November 16.
Haryana government issued a notification on Monday saying that the schools and colleges in the state will open from November 16.
In Odisha, a notification was issued by the government announcing partial reopening of schools for students of classes 9-12 from November 16.
In West Bengal, the Cinemas/Theatres/Multiplexes will operate with up to 50 per cent of their seating capacity in areas outside the containment zone only.
In Tamil Nadu, using upto 50 per cent seats, cinema theatres, and multiplexes shall resume functioning from November 10.
The Centre had said the guidelines allowing various activities like opening of cinemas, theatres and multiplexes with up to 50 percent of their seating capacity will continue to be applicable till November 30 in areas outside the containment zones.
Multiplex operators expect up to 25 per cent rise in their operating costs on account of the mandatory standard operating procedures as they reopen after being shut since the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic.
The movie business will bounce back by Diwali as filmmakers start releasing new films, PVR Ltd Joint Managing Director Sanjeev Bijli had said.
In October, cinemas opened in several parts of the country after seven months.
The Maharashtra education department has started free online classes for 11th standard students to prevent loss of the academic session due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Academic institutions, including coaching centres, have been closed since March in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.