Unlock 3.0: FICCI calls for allowing foreign, Indian carriers to operate

Industry group FICCI said on Monday that Indian and foreign carriers should be now be allowed to operate and the country should let in foreigners on a reciprocal basis.

While there has been a substantial easing of lockdown conditions in line with phase one and two, phase three remains a crucial decision for the country, it said.

FICCI said clear-cut dates should be announced by the states to open tourism, monuments, tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants and bars.

All restaurants and eateries in a hotel should be allowed to serve the resident as well as non-resident guests at 50 per cent seating capacity while maintaining social distancing norms and all necessary precautions.

Permission should be granted for hosting all kinds of banquet and conference in the hotel. Covid-19 test before arrival is an expensive and inconvenient requirement which is there in some states. This should be removed, said FICCI. Temperature checks, use of masks and social distancing should, of course, be mandated.

Metro rail services may be opened. Stations at containment zones should remain closed and trains need not stop at these stations. Services may start with less than 50 per cent capacity initially and could be gradually increased.

FICCI said the government may decide to open educational institutions and schools depending on the local situation of Covid-19 cases.

It also called for opening cinema halls, gymnasiums, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places with proper safety and hygiene measures in place.