Maharashtra extends lockdown till August 31 — Here’s what’s allowed and what’s prohibited

• Maharashtra crossed four lakh-mark in the number of coronavirus cases, yesterday (July 29).
• Malls and market complexes without theatres, food courts and restaurants will be operational between 9 am and 7 pm from August 5.
• Although the central government has allowed gymnasiums and yoga institutes to open from August 5, the Maharashtra government continues to prohibit opening of indoor gyms and yoga institutes in the state.
• Here’s a complete list of what’s allowed and what’s not.

Although the centre has been unlocking the country under various phases, the Maharashtra government extended lockdown till August 31 in the wake of rising coronavirus cases. The state crossed the four lakh-mark in coronavirus cases on Wednesday (July 29).

Maharashtra accounts for 25% of the total cases of the country. The notification issued by Chief Secretary Sanjay Kumar said that the decision has been taken as an “emergency step to prevent and contain” the spread of COVID-19.

Here’s what’s allowed in Maharashtra till August 31

• Malls and market complexes without theatres, food courts and restaurants will be operational between 9 am and 7 pm from August 5.
• Unrestricted movement will be allowed only for attending places of work which are open and for medical reasons.
• All industrial units and construction sites will continue to operate.
• All government offices except those serving as emergency service providers will operate with 15% strength or 15 persons whichever is higher. And, all private offices will operate with 10% strength or 10 persons whichever is higher.
• Online learning activities will continue as per the government instructions.
• Kitchens of food courts and restaurants will be allowed to operate in the malls where only home delivery will be permitted
• Outdoor non-team sports like golf courses, outdoor firing range, outdoor gymnastics, tennis, outdoor badminton and malkhamb will be allowed with physical distancing and sanitation measures from August 5.
• Wearing masks will be compulsory in (public) transport systems.
• Barbershops, spa, salons, and beauty parlors have been allowed to operate with certain stipulations since June 25.

Here’s what’s not allowed in Maharashtra till August 31

• Although the central government has allowed gymnasiums and yoga institutes to open from August 5 as per its recent guidelines, the Maharashtra government continues to prohibit opening of indoor gyms and yoga institutes.
• Movement of persons for the purpose of non-essential activities like shopping and outdoor exercises shall be restricted within neighbourhood area limits with mandatory precautions of wearing masks, social distancing and personal hygiene.
• Large public gatherings and congregations will continue to remain prohibited, and marriage-related gatherings will have only up to 50 guests.
• The maximum number of persons allowed at funerals will be 20, it added.
• Swimming pools will not be allowed to operate.
  

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