With no let up in the number of Covid-19 cases, the Maharashtra government on Monday announced its plan to continue “level-three” restrictions in as many as 11 districts, including Pune, Satara Solapur and Beed, till further orders.
State Chief Secretary Sitaram, Kunte said that the Disaster Management Authorities would soon take a decision on relaxing the restrictions in the case of Mumbai, suburban Mumbai and Thane.
In the remaining 22 districts of the State –including Mumbai, Thane, Nashik and Nagpur, the restrictions have been relaxed.
Amid speculation that it might lift restrictions on the operation of suburban trains in Mumbai, the state government chose not to bring about any relaxations, as id not want to contribute to the increase in the Covid-19 cases in Mumbai and neighbouring areas like Thane, Dombivli, Kalyan, Vasair-Virar, Palghar and Navi Mumbai, all of which come under the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
Apart from Pune, Satara Solapur and Beed, the other districts where level-3 restrictions will continue are: Kolhapur, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Ahmednagar, Beed, Raigad and Palghar.
Among the 11 districts where districts where level-3 restrictions will continue, the state government its decision to impose restrictions in Sindhudurg, Satara and Ahmednagar to the “higher emergence of fresh cases”.
The state government modified the current restrictions in all the 36 districts in the state.
The modified restrictions will include: to keep all essential and non-essential shops (including shopping malls) open on all weekdays till 8 pm and till 3 pm on Saturday and keep all shops and malls except essential shops to remain closed on Sundays, keeping open all public Gardens and playgrounds for physical exercises, walking, jogging and cycling.
Under the modified guidelines, the government and private Offices will remain operational to full capacity by staggering work hours to avoid crowds while travelling, work from home arrangement will continue, all agricultural activity, Civil Works, Industrial activity, transport of goods can remain functional at full capacity.
Gymnasiums, Yoga Centers, Hair Cutting salons, beauty parlors, Spa's can remain open without use of air-conditioners and with 50 per cent capacity till 8 pm on weekdays and till 3 PM on Saturdays.
Under the new guidelines, all cinema theatres, drama theatres and multiplexes (independent and inside malls) to remain closed till further orders while all places of worship in the State will also remain closed till further orders.
In the case of schools and colleges, the orders of the State Education department and the Higher and Technical Department will be applicable, while all restaurants will remain open with 50% seating capaciry till 4 pmon weekdays subject to adherence to all COVID l9 protocols. Parcels and Takeaway are allowed as is allowed currently.
“Restrictions on movement will be applicable from 9 pm to 5 am... In order to avoid crowding, restrictions imposed on birthday celebration, political, social and cultural events, elections, election campaigning, rallies, protest marches to be continued.
The state government asked the people to adhere strictly to all Coivd-19 protocols like use of masks, social distancing etc. to be scrupulously followed across the State by all the citizens.