Delta Plus variant puts Maharashtra on high-alert

In view of the concerns over the Delta Plus variant, the Maharashtra government issued new orders with regards to the levels of restrictions. This variant has been found in Ratnagiri, Jalgaon and other districts and can fuel the potentiality of the imminent third wave.

Moreover, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope also informed that out of the 21 Delta Plus variant cases of COVID-19 in Maharashtra, an 80-year-old woman with co-morbidities has passed away.

As per the curbs authorized by Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte, the restrictions are as follows:

• All shops will now remain open only from 7 am to 4 pm. Except for essential services, other shops will be closed for two days on the weekends.
• It is prohibited to venture out on the roads without any reason after 5 pm.
• However, the restaurants will remain open till 4 pm with 50 per cent capacity.
• Malls and theatres are to remain closed. However, shootings are allowed in a bubble.
• Public places and gardens for walking and cycling will be open from 5 am to 9 am. In addition, outdoor sports are allowed from 5 to 9 am and 6 to 9 pm. 
• 50 per cent attendance allowed in government offices.
• A maximum of 50 allowed to attend wedding ceremonies whereas a maximum of 20 people can attend funerals.

Furthermore, the state of Maharashtra imposed a ‘state-level trigger’ to bring restrictions across its administrative units even if the oxygen bed occupancy and weekly positivity rates are under check.

The state is resorting to this step as a precautionary measure against the variant. In its order, the State Government said “restrictions in administrative units will remain at a level, not below 3.” On the other hand, suburban train services shall be accessed only by “medical staff and personnel engaged in essential services,” the order went on to say.

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