In Unlock 4.0, Maharashtra government keeps schools and colleges shut

• All non-essential shops will be allowed to continue as per relaxations and guidelines.
  
• Hotels and lodges will be allowed to operate at 100% capacity.
  
• Schools, colleges, educational and coaching institutions will remain closed till 30th September 2020.
  
• Check Business Insider for the latest news and updates.
  

The Maharashtra government announced Unlock 4.0 guidelines on August 31. CM Uddhav Thackeray has decided to extend the COVID-19 lockdown but has announced some major relaxations. According to the guidelines, hotels and lodges can reopen at 100% capacity. However, schools, colleges, cinema halls, swimming pools will remain shut until the end of the month.

Here are the Unlock 4.0 guidelines in Maharashtra —

What’s allowed —

• All non-essential shops will be allowed to continue as per relaxations and guidelines.
• Hotels and lodges will be allowed to operate at 100% capacity. Separate SOP will be issued for necessary precautions to be taken while operating these establishments.
• There shall be no restriction on Inter-District movement of persons and goods including those for cross land-border trade under Treaties with the neighbouring countries.
• No separate permission/approval / e-permit will be required for the vehicles and the persons travelling therein for such movements.
• Passenger movement by private bus / mini-bus and other operators will be allowed. The SOP for the same will be issued by the Transport Commissioner, Maharashtra.
• All-State Governments offices (excluding Emergency, health & Medical, treasuries, disaster management, police, NIC, Food & Civil Supply, FCI, N.Y.K., Municipal Services) to work with the following strength.
• Group A and Group B Officers at 100% strength in the entire State of Maharashtra.
• The staff other than Group A and Group B officers: i) To attend the office with 30% strength or minimum 30 employees whichever is more, in Municipal corporations of MMR Region including MCGM, Municipal Corporations of Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad and others may be notified from time to time. ii) To attend the office with 50% strength or a minimum of 50 employees whichever is more, in rest of Maharashtra.

A Vigilance Officer will be appointed in every office for ensuring the norms like social distancing, face coverings, etc. to avoid the spread of Covid-19.

• All private offices may operate up to 30% strength as per requirement. However, all the employers will take sensitization programs to educate the employees to take adequate precautions on returning home so that vulnerable groups, especially the elderly is not affected. A Vigilance Officer will be appointed in every office for ensuring the norms like social distancing, face coverings, etc. to avoid the spread of Covid-19. Staggering of office timings should be encouraged and only work-related movement will be allowed.

What’s not allowed —

• Schools, colleges, educational and coaching institutions will remain closed till 30th September 2020. Online/distance learning shall continue to be permitted and shall be encouraged.
• Cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment perks, theatres (including that in malls and market complexes), bars, auditorium and assembly halls and similar places will remain closed.
• International Air travel of passengers will not be permitted, except as permitted by MHA.
• Metro trains will remain shut.
• Social/ political/Sports/Entertainment/academic/cultural/religion functions and other large congregations are prohibited.

SEE ALSO
Ambani vs Damani ⁠— India’s $635 billion retail ring will see the country’s two richest men⁠ battle with different strategies
It's the day Airtel and Vodafone Idea have been waiting for – here’s the AGR case timeline of 26 years