Maharashtra: All you need to know about revised COVID-19 guidelines

On Saturday, November 27, the Maharashtra government eased COVID-19 restrictions allowing economic, social, cultural, sports and entertainment activities with certain conditions. The state government has put major emphasis on getting fully inoculated and strictly exhibiting COVID-19 appropriate behavior as per the rules.

In a 5-page order, the following are the guidelines issued by the government :

1. Travel guidelines: 

• Only fully vaccinated people will be permitted to travel via all modes of public transport.
• Anyone coming to Maharashtra from any international destination will be presided by the Central government rule.
• Domestic passengers must be fully inoculated, or they must carry an RT-PCR test report with 72 hours validity.
• Defaulters in public transport like buses or taxis shall be fined INR 500 along with the driver, conductor, etc.
• Operators will have to pay INR 10,000 fine, or their license will be withdrawn till the disaster norms remain in force.

2. Malls and open spaces guidelines: 

• Only fully vaccinated people will be permitted entry to malls, shops, establishments, ticketed or non-tickets events, programmes, etc.
• The organizers must also be fully vaccinated.
• Similar to the pervious guidelines, only 50% attendance will be allowed for theatres, cinemas, marriages, etc., held in closed spaces.
• In open-to-sky venues, up to 25% of the capacity will be allowed.
• If total attendance exceeds 1,000, the organizers must inform the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) to ensure compliance with Covid Appropriate Behavior (CAB). If violated, they might order the closure of part or full venue.

Apart from these, the SOPs also stated that:

• All must follow COVID-19 appropriate behavior like wearing the face mask and maintaining physical distance of at least 6 feet.
• Those found flouting the rules will be fined INR 500.
• The Universal Pass by the government shall be valid proof for the status of full vaccination.
• If any organization or establishment fail to follow CAB or SOP would be fined INR 50,000 for each instance.

Also read: New Rules For Omicron Hit-South Africa Passengers Arriving To Mumbai