Under its “Break The Chain initiative”, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra government on Monday evening, August 2, announced new guidelines for easing lockdown restrictions in those districts where the COVID-19 positivity rate is low.
The government announced further relaxations of coronavirus curbs in 25 districts showing a low positivity rate of the infection. Meanwhile, it has extended the existing business timings of shops and allowing shopping malls to operate in several districts.
Besides, the order stated that in certain districts, which include Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Pune, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Solapur, Ahmednagar, Beed, Raigad and Palghar, will continue to follow Level 3 restrictions.
However, soon after the announcement, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) issued a list of separate orders for Mumbai. Later, on Tuesday, August 3, the civic body revised certain curbs. This led to many queries among the citizens on what’s allowed and what is not in the city.
The relaxations came into effect from Tuesday morning, August 3.
Here are all your questions regarding the new COVID-19 guidelines:
As per new orders, dining at restaurants is allowed till 4 pm on weekends as well. Moreover, restaurants and hotels will remain open for home delivery. Earlier, dine-in was allowed only on weekdays. All restaurants can operate at 50 per cent seating capacity whilst adhering to COVID-l9 protocols.
Yes. However, the garden will remain open for people to walk, jog and exercise from 5 am to 9 am. Besides, all indoor and outdoor games are allowed, except swimming pool and other games where social distancing is not possible.
No. The civic body in its statement put out a clarification saying that malls in Mumbai will continue to remain closed.
All essential and non-essential shops will remain open till 10 pm on all the days, including weekends.
Gymnasiums, salons and beauty parlours can operate at 50 per cent capacity with the air-conditioning switched off. These, too, can stay open till 8 pm on weekdays and 3 pm on Saturdays. They must remain shut on Sundays, as per the order.
The night curfew will continue in Mumbai from 11 pm to 5 am daily. Though there is no restriction on the movement of people from 5 am to 11 pm but a gathering of people is prohibited at all times. This means, section 144 to be in place till 11 pm every day.
Yes.
The government and private offices have been allowed to operate at full capacity. The offices have been directed to implement staggered timings to avoid crowding during travel.
Amid fear of delta plus variant of coronavirus and third wave, the state government has not taken any decision on allowing common people to travel by suburban trains in Mumbai. However, the commuters, passengers’ associations and political parties have been demanding to allow fully vaccinated people. Moreover, the Bombay High Court has also asked the state government to allow those commuters who have taken both doses of COVID-19 vaccination.
All cinema theatres, drama theatres and multiplexes (independent and inside malls) remain closed till further orders.
All places of worship in the state will remain closed till further orders.
The orders of the State Education Department and the Higher and Technical Department will be applicable to schools and colleges.
Restrictions imposed on birthday celebrations, and political social and cultural events will continue, the order said.
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