The Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra government might soon issue fresh orders announcing further relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions. This development came as the third wave of coronavirus, which mildly affected the city of Mumbai and state, has been receding.
According to the government officials, the state executive committee (SEC) of the disaster management will meet on February 25 to discuss further relaxations in curbs, including the 50% cap on occupancy in restaurants, eateries, cinema halls, theatres, etc.
If reports are to be believed the state is expected to ease restrictions on 50 per cent occupancy in cinema halls, theatres, auditoriums, beauty parlors, salons, gymnasiums, etc., as COVID-19 is on the decline.
On the other hand, the state relief and rehabilitation department issued a statement that it had withdrawn orders dated July 15 and August 11, 2021, while keeping the COVID-19 restrictions in place till further order.
Though various restrictions, including those on travel in local trains or other modes of public transport by unvaccinated persons, as well as requirements of following COVID-appropriate behavior like wearing of masks, keeping a social distance, frequently sanitising hands are still in force in view of the orders dated January 8, 9, and 31, and October 8 and 26, 2021, it said.
Officials mentioned that it was issued to curb false reportage that the government was directed to lift the ban on travel for unvaccinated citizens in local trains or other modes of public transport.
For those unversed, on Tuesday, February 22, the Bombay High Court (HC) said that the state’s orders of 2021 permitting only those fully vaccinated to travel in suburban trains were “illegal”.
Clarifying to it, the state government said that such restrictions would remain in place. However, now the committee has decided to discuss the restrictions allowing only vaccinated citizens on local trains on February 25.
As per the data revealed by the public health department, the last three weeks shows that the number of cases being reported has seen a huge drop.
On the same day, the state reported 1,080 new COVID-19 cases, while its active count dropped to 13,070. As many as 47 patients succumbed to the virus, pushing the death toll to 1,43,633. Meanwhile, Mumbai recorded 135 infections and two fatalities. Whereas its active cases stand at 1,315, the death toll has reached 16,690.
Besides, between February 1 and 8, the state added 80,762 cases, which dipped 60.99% in the next week when 31,503 infections were logged. Subsequently, between February 15 and 22, a total of 12,571 cases were reported, which is a drop of 60.09% from the week before.
Also Read: Maharashtra Can Resist The Fourth Wave Of COVID-19 If..., Says Rajesh Tope
Share
Tweet
