Pune sees fresh curbs in light of rising COVID-19 cases
Considering the recent spike in COVID-19 cases, the Pune district administration has directed schools and colleges to remain shut till March 31 and curtailed the operating time for hotels and restaurants. "According to the new set of restrictions, hotels and restaurants will be allowed to function till 10 pm, and food deliveries will be permitted till 11 pm," Pune Divisional Commissioner Saurabh Rao said.
Hotels and restaurants to operate at 50 percent capacity
The administration will ensure that the preparations for Class 10 and 12 board exams are not affected. Hotels and restaurants will operate with 50 percent seating capacity. They have been asked to put up a board displaying the number of patrons on the premises at a given time. Citizens will not be permitted to wander on roads unnecessarily between 11 pm and 6 am.
Violators will face strict action
Not more than 50 persons can gather at weddings, funerals, and other social events. Stringent action will be taken by the police in case of violations of the mentioned restrictions. All public parks will remain closed in the evenings but will be kept open in the mornings for serious morning walkers. Malls and multiplexes will be allowed to operate till 11 pm.
COVID-19 vaccination was also discussed in detail
"The decision to impose additional curbs was taken during a meeting with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who is also the guardian minister of the district. The authorities have also held a detailed discussion on COVID-19 vaccination in the city," Rao said.
Pune wants to vaccinate everyone above the age of 18
Pune authorities plan to send a proposal to the Centre seeking a policy decision to inoculate people above the age of 18 in Pune, as an exception. "According to experts, if we inoculate people above 18 in Pune, we can contain the second wave of the pandemic here," Rao said. Pune district on Thursday reported 2,840 new coronavirus cases taking its total to 4,28,344.
