In a measure to curtail the rise in the COVID-19 cases in the state, the Maharashtra government has extended the coronavirus lockdown till July 31. The government issued fresh guidelines for what it called ‘Mission Begin Again’. These guidelines stated that movement for non-essential activities will be restricted within the neighbourhoods in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
“It is further directed that the movement of persons for the purposes of non-essential activities like shopping and the outdoor exercises, shall be restricted within the neighbourhood area limits with all necessary prescribed mandatory precautions of wearing masks, social distancing and personal hygiene,” a statement read.
E-commerce activity for essential and non-essential items, all industrial units which are presently operational, and home delivery of food will be allowed in Maharashtra. All essential and non-essential shops, except malls and market complexes, will be allowed to open from 9 am to 5 pm. The government further said that only those attending offices and emergencies will be allowed unrestricted movement.
All Government offices (excluding Emergency, health and Medical, treasuries, disaster management, police, NIC, food and Civil Supply, FCI, NYK, Municipal Services) will function with 15% strength or 15 persons – whichever is higher. Private offices in Mumbai Metropolitan Region are also allowed to operate with 10% strength or 10 people.
Activities related to self-employed people such as plumbers, electricians, pest control, garages, printing and distribution of newspapers (including home delivery), and barbershops have also been allowed in MMR.
Wearing masks have been made compulsory in Mumbai and surrounding areas by Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai. In a sperate order, the corporation also said that a fine of Rs.1,000 will be imposed on violators.
“Anybody violating this order will be punishable under section 188 of Indian Penal Code (48 of 1860) and a fine of Rs 1000 will be imposed for each such offence by the police officer or the officers appointed by Asstt. Commissioners of MCGM,” it said.
Earlier this week, the Mumbai Police said that no non-essential movement of people will be allowed outside the radius of 2 km from their houses.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray stated that despite its progress in tackling COVID-19, the crisis was not over yet. He urged the people of the state to follow rules and ensure the lockdown was not re-imposed.
Maharashtra is not the only state to have extended its lockdown. Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Delhi are also some of the states to have extended lockdowns till July 31.
