While the fourth phase of the unlock is about to begin from the first week of September, people in Maharashtra have been eyeing for the details to be out with regards to further relaxations in the lockdown guidelines.
Even now, schools, colleges and other educational institutions have continued to remain closed in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak. It is expected that in the next phase of unlocking educational institutes in Maharashtra will continue to remain shut. According to sources, no decision has been made on the same, although as per conjecture, the government may soon announce a phase-wise plan for the resumption of the schools and educational institutions across the country, between the months of September and November.
However, as per reports, cinema halls, which has remained shut since March are likely to open in the fourth phase of unlock. Staggered seating and contactless ticketing are being suggested to ensure that people can go to the movies without contracting the disease. Supriya Sule has put forward the demand to open up single-screen cinemas in the state, so that could be another possibility that the government can look at.
One of the main aspects of Mumbai that is yet to be restored is the local trains. Currently, only a limited amount of suburban trains is plying for people who are working in essential services as they have been permitted to use the locals. However, according to sources, in the fourth phase of the unlocking, the locals may resume for the citizens.
Moreover, Metro rail services have also remained suspended in a bid to contain the spread of the disease.
Even though CM Uddhav Thackeray, speaking at a review meeting being held at Thane, seemed uncertain about lifting the lockdown stating that carelessness in handling the pandemic would have serious consequences, the Union Home Ministry had earlier directed all the states to lift restrictions on district and inter-state transport to speed up the economic cycle after the cases of coronavirus hit a plateau.
While shopping malls have resumed operations in August, restaurants in Mumbai are still not open. As per sources, it is likely that the restaurants who have been badly impacted in this lockdown may get a go-ahead to operate in this phase of unlock.
Currently, there is no word on when the next set of SOPs will be announced but we are hoping that it will happen soon.
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