As coronavirus cases rise, Maharashtra extends lockdown till July 31
The Maharashtra government has decided to extend the ongoing lockdown till July 31. The ongoing restrictions were supposed to last until June 30. The decision comes as the state has witnessed a spike in COVID-19 cases in the past few days. Maharashtra is notably India's worst-hit state with over 1.64 lakh cases and 7,429 deaths. Here are more details.
State government issued fresh guidelines under 'Mission Begin Again'
The Maharashtra government has issued fresh guidelines under 'Mission Begin Again', the state's discrete plan to ease lockdown restrictions. The government has empowered concerned District Collectors and Commissioners of the Municipal Corporations to enforce certain measures and necessary restrictions in specified local areas on the permitted non-essential activities and movement of persons to control the spread of COVID-19.
Here is what's allowed and what's not
All essential shops that were already allowed to remain open will continue to function. All non-essential shops will be allowed to function as per guidelines issued on May 31 and June 4. All non-essential markets, market areas, shops—except malls and market complexes—will remain open from 9 am-5 pm. Liquor shops will continue to operate if permitted, home delivery or otherwise, the guidelines stated.
E-commerce activity allowed for essential and non-essential items
E-commerce activity for essential as well as non-essential items will be allowed. Home delivery restaurants/kitchens are also allowed. All the industrial units presently open will continue to operate. All construction sites (public/private) already allowed to remain open and operational can function. Movement of people is allowed via taxi, cab, rickshaw, four-wheelers, (only for essentials + 2), and two-wheelers (only essential one rider).
Government and private offices allowed with 15% and 10% strength
Government offices (excluding emergency, health, and medical, treasuries, disaster management, police, NIC, food and civil supply, FCI, etc.) are allowed to function with 15% strength or 15 persons, whichever is higher. Private offices can operate with 10% strength or 10 people, whichever is higher.
Long-distance travel for non-essential items prohibited
Long-distance travel for non-essential items will not be permitted. Barbershops, spas, and salons will continue to operate with restrictions. Activities related to self-employed people like plumbers, electricians, pest control, and technicians will continue. Garages to mend vehicles and workshops will be allowed to operate with prior appointments. Marriage-related gatherings on open spaces, lawns, non-air-conditioned halls will operate as per guidelines issued on June 23.
Here's what else is allowed
The offices and staff of educational institutions are allowed to function for non-teaching purposes such as the development of e-content, evaluation of answer sheets, and declaration of results. Online/distance learning and related activities are permitted.
Yesterday, barbershops and salons reopened across Maharashtra
The announcement to extend the lockdown comes a day after Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had said that the lockdown would not be lifted in the state after June 30. The same day, the state had allowed barbershops, salons, and beauty parlors to reopen. June 30 is when the first phase of the nationwide plan to "unlock" India comes to an end.
