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Maharashtra Extends Lockdown Till Sept. 30, But Relaxes Several Curbs

As per Maharashtra’s Mission Begin Again order that encapsulated unlock rules, here’s a look at what’s allowed and what’s not.

Pedestrians wearing protective masks walk past traffic outside Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. (Photographer: Dhiraj Singh/Bloomberg)
Pedestrians wearing protective masks walk past traffic outside Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. (Photographer: Dhiraj Singh/Bloomberg)

The Maharashtra government has extended the statewide coronavirus lockdown till Sept. 30 but has eased some restrictions to enable inter-district travel and raised the attendance requirement at its offices.

According to Maharashtra’s Mission Begin Again order that encapsulated the "Unlock" rules, here’s a look at:

What's Allowed From Sept. 2, 2020

  • Hotels and lodges will be allowed to operate at 100% capacity.
  • No restriction on inter-district movement of persons and goods, including those for cross-land border trade under treaties with neighbouring countries. No separate permission/approval/e-permit will be required for vehicles and persons travelling therein for such movements.
  • Passenger movement by private bus/mini bus/other operators are now allowed. The transport commissioner will issue standard operating procedure for the same.
  • Outdoor physical activities allowed with no restrictions but still no mention of reopening of gyms and temples.
  • All state government employees under Group A and Group B can now attend offices. Other government staffers can attend offices with 30% of strength or minimum 30 employees, whichever is more, in Covid-19 hotspots.
  • Non-Group A and Group B staffers can attend office to the extent of their 50% strength or minimum 50 employees, whichever is more.
  • Private offices can operate at up to 30% of their strength, as per requirement.
  • All essential shops, which were allowed to remain open till the latest order, will continue to do so. All non-essential shops will be allowed to operate according to relaxations issued from time to time. Liquor shops will continue to operate.
  • Online/distance learning are permitted and shall be encouraged.

What’s Not Allowed (till Sept. 30, 2020)

  • Schools, colleges, cinema halls and swimming pools will continue to remain closed.
  • Cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres (including those in malls and market complexes), bars, auditoriums, assembly halls, etc. will remain closed.
  • International travel of passengers, except as permitted by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, and metro rail services are disallowed.
  • Social gatherings—political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural, religious, etc.—and other large congregations are still prohibited.

The easing of restrictions came even as Maharashtra continues to registered a record number of new coronavirus cases with no flattening of curve in sight. The government has now called for appointment of a vigilance officer in every office to ensure social distancing norms are observed to contain the spread of Covid-19.