Maharashtra fight back COVID19: Govt eases restrictions, issues new guidelines

A night curfew will remain in force from 2100 hrs to 0500 hrs till June 30, and complete lockdown will continue in ‘containment zones’, except for essential services.

As per the new rules issued here this evening, all senior citizens (aged above 65), persons having illness, pregnant women and children aged below 10 will have to remain at home except for essential or medical services.

The 12-page guidelines further say that the ‘containment zones’ -- ranging from a housing colony to a slum, a building, lane, village, police station jurisdiction, etc, -- will be demarcated by the respective local authorities.

In the municipal corporations of Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Pune, Solapur, Aurangabad, Malegaon, Nashik, Dhule, Jalgaon, Akola, Amravati and Nagpur, additional activities shall be permitted barring the containment zones.

Accordingly, from June 3, limited duration outdoor individual physical activities like walking, jogging, cycling in open spaces like society compounds, playgrounds, beaches, will be allowed early in the morning, however, cycling is particularly advised as it automatically ensures physical distancing.

Also, services of plumbers, electricians, pest-control, garages or vehicle workshops with prior appointment and other technicians would be permitted with masks and sanitisers.

All government departments -- barring those in the emergency services -- will be permitted to increase employees from the present 5 per cent to 15 per cent or 15 employees, whichever is higher.

Two days later, from June 5, all markets and shops, except malls and shopping plazas, will reopen on one side of the road on odd-even dates with several conditions from 0900 hrs to 1700 hrs only.

Similarly, movement of people will be allowed in cabs, four-wheelers and autorickshaws with one driver and two pasangers, while no pillion rider is allowed on two-wheelers.

Then, from June 8, all private offices can reopen with 10 per cent staff strength with full precautions.

Also, the intra-district bus travel will restart with 50 per cent passenger capacity, inter-district bus travel remains prohibited.

However, the existing ban will continue on all educational institutions from school to universities and private institutes, international flights except those allowed by the Centre, Metro Rail, passenger movement by trains and domestic air travel, except as permitted under special orders or standard operating procedures (SOPs).

The guidelines also stated that cinemas, theatres, gyms, swimming pools, amusement parks, auditoriums, bars, all types of public functions, all religious places or congregations, salons, spas or salons, malls, hotels, restaurants, etc. will not be allowed under #MissionBeginAgain.