Maharashtra govt imposes fresh restrictions to curb spread of Covid-19

In a massive clampdown, the Maharashtra government on Monday night asked all offices in the state to compulsorily run with only 50 per cent attendance except for health and essential services.

In case of violation, the offices would be shut till the time Covid-19 pandemic stays notified as a “disaster” by the Central government.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government also advised and asked to encourage work-from-home.

Read: Fearing 2nd Covid-19 wave in Karnataka, experts urge govt to keep CCCs, private hospitals on standby

The fresh set of Lockdown/Unlock orders were issued by Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte.

The directives will remain in force till March 31, 2021.

Besides, it asked cinema halls, hotels, restaurants to compulsorily follow the 50 per cent occupancy rule and all protocols/SOPs to combat the Covid-19 surge.

In case of violation, they would attract stringent penalties and closure till the time Covid-19 pandemic is notified as a “disaster” by the Centre.

Except for marriages with 50 persons in attendance, the government has banned social, cultural, political and religious gatherings for the time being – and in case of violations, the property will remain shut till the Central government notifies it as a “disaster”.

In case of last rites, only 20 persons would be allowed.

Similarly, in case of shopping malls if protocols/SOPs are not found to be followed these will remain closed till Covid-19 pandemic remains notified as “disaster”.

Last week, Thackeray indicated strict measures if people do not cooperate in the war against the virus.

“These are stringent sets of measures aimed to bring in discipline and ensure that we adhere to the new normal,” said Dr Suhas Pingle, Chairman, Action Committee, IMA-Maharashtra.

The government also decided to ensure that boards be put up in “doors or conspicuous location” for 14 days indicating the presence of Covid-19 positive patients. Compulsory quarantine stamps would be put on the positive patients.

Besides, there would be “no entry” in public places and wearing of masks, sanitation norms and social distancing have to be followed.

Speaking to reporters here, state Public Health and Family Welfare Minister Rajesh Tope said that while the cases of Covid-19 cases are rising, the deaths are very low. “Lockdown may not be an option but strict actions are,” Tope said, adding that the best option for the public is to support the government. “Nearly 85 per cent of the cases are asymptomatic and hence have been advised home treatment,” he said, pointing out that the government is working on the three-Ts initiative of Tracking, Testing and Treatment. “The testing facilities are being ramped up,” he said.

Tope pointed out that strong regulations have been imposed for marriage gatherings and social events. “The vaccination has been accelerated in the state. There is no shortage of vaccines in the state but efforts are being made to increase the number of vaccinations in private and government hospitals,” he said and appealed to all citizens above the age of 60 to complete vaccinations as soon as possible.