Unlock 4.0 Begins Today, Here's what you Should Know

The fourth phase of unlocking the country, which starts from September 1, will have a large number of restrictions lifted and relaxed, but many will continue to remain in place.

Here are the salient points from the guidelines issued by the&nbspUnion Ministry of Home Affairs that you should keep in mind as Unlock 4 comes into being.

The ban on international flights is one issue that has been vexing many travellers. An avenue for  generating huge revenues as well as opening borders for trade and travel, resumption of international flights is a huge step towards normalcy. However, even under the Unlock 4, international flights remain banned till September 30 except those permitted under orders from the MHA. Several flights operating under the Vande Bharat Mission and those operating under MHA specifics will be permitted.

Read the full notice here.

Metro rails will start operating from September 7 "in a graded manner". Proper screening, social distancing and wearing of masks will be mandatory at all times. 

The new guidelines permit the opening of open-air theatres from September 21. Swimming pools, entertainment parks and all cinema halls continue to remain under lockdown.&nbspLarger gatherings such as social, academic, sports, entertainment, cultural, religious and political functions can be held with a maximum 100 people from September 21.

There shall be no bar on inter and intra-state travelling and moving of goods for which no registration or e-pass shall be necessary.

Train services too will remain restricted.

Meanwhile under Unlock 4, the Maharashtra government has allowed hotels to reopen, inter-district transport of goods and persons, private and minibus, and also offices with 30 per cent staff.

In Goa,&nbspChief Minister Pramod Sawant has announced that bars will be allowed to open with social distancing norms in place, along with other safety precautions.

That's one good reson to raise a toast to Unlock 4.