Industry body FICCI, as a part of Unlock 3.0, advised the government to reopen multiplexes, cinemas, restaurants and eateries in hotels, and metro rail. They also suggested reopening international flight services with adherence to all safety precautions, according to a Financial Express report. The industry chamber also recommended reopening schools and educational institutions considering the local situation, with standard operating procedures for the lifting of several restrictions as part of Unlock 3.0. 

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 ‘Threat of COVID is not over yet and we need to remain vigilant’, said the chamber, as ‘Unlock 2’ ending on July 31, 2020, is followed by preparations for ‘Unlock 3’.

It has recommended easing restrictions on aviation, sports, and tourism sectors provided businesses to follow the given guidelines. FICCI also said, “Indian and Foreign carriers be allowed to operate between two countries”.

 It said that India should allow foreigners to travel to the country on a reciprocal basis while also accepting the COVID-19 Negative Certificate issued by the Origin Country. Standard Quarantine Protocol should be issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to be followed by all states. The states should announce dates to open tourism, monuments, tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants, and bars, said FICCI.

The restaurant and eateries in any hotel are currently open only for residential guests who are staying in the hotel. The chamber said that this arrangement is unfeasible to the F&B operation due to the burden of fixed costs involved like manpower, power, and fuel, etc. It suggested that all restaurants and eateries, as well as banquet and conference, in the hotel should be allowed to serve non-resident guests too, but at 50% seating capacity. They should also follow social distancing and all necessary precautions.

 “Metro rail services may be opened. Stations at containment zones to remain closed and trains to not stop at these stations. Security personnel to be deployed at metro stations to ensure SOP is being strictly followed,” suggested FICCI.

It further said metro services may initially start with less than 50% capacity, and could gradually increase. Contactless ticketing, mandatory thermal screening at entry points, social distancing should be maintained at all stations, and seating should ensure the distance between travelers.

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