Unlock 5.0: Govt allows most activities; cinemas to reopen on October 15

The MHA said states and Union Territories had been given the flexibility to take a decision on the reopening of schools and coaching institutions in a graded manner after October 15

India took a decisive step towards unlocking almost everything, with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday lifting restrictions on cinema halls, schools, and swimming pools as part of its fifth tranche of guidelines to revive business and other activities. 

Cinema halls, theaters, and multiplexes have been permitted to reopen from October 15, the MHA said, with up to 50 per cent of their seating capacity, for which standard operating procedures (SOPs) would be issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Entertainment parks and similar places have also been allowed.

The MHA said states and Union Territories had been given