Maharashtra government has imposed new rules to curb COVID-19 transmission as cases continue to soar in the state. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra issued new guidelines, and urged people to follow COVID-19 protocols. Establishments have been asked to ensure social distancing and provide hand sanitizers at multiple locations. Auditoriums and theatres in Maharashtra are allowed to operate at 50 per cent capacity. Concerned establishments must ensure the presence of enough manpower to enforce wearing of masks and maintaining social distances by all visitors all the time. Drama halls and auditoriums are not allowed to be used for any religious, social, political or cultural gatherings.
BMC additional commissioner Suresh Kakani also preferred the state government’s imposed rules over lockdown like situation. Kishori Pednekar, Mumbai mayor asked people not to violate imposed rules. She appealed to people to obey the government and BMC’s instructions and maintain safety.
State Minister Nawab Malik told Afternoon Voice, “So far no decision is taken regarding lockdown in Mumbai, but people must cooperate by following the rules and norms imposed by the state government, Or else, stern action would be taken against violators”.
Whereas Mumbai Guardian Minister Aslam Shaikh said, “Since COVID-19 cases are on the rise, the situation in Mumbai is not that bad, we are able to control the situation. I am personally visiting various medical centres to ensure the progress in vaccination drive”.
State health minister Rajesh Tope asserted that the lockdown is not a solution but the people need to be more responsible towards their acts. Every individual is asked to take responsibility for his/her family.
PM Modi also urged the nation on the need to take quick decisive steps. He told in his virtual speech, “We need to soon stop the emerging second peak of corona”. He also strongly emphasized on wearing a mask.
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to conduct rapid antigen tests at all crowded public places such as malls, markets, shopping complexes, bus stations, and railway stations. A person will be allowed entry into such premises only if they test negative for COVID-19.
In the case of government/semi-government offices, the head of the office is given choice to take a decision regarding the staff attendance ensuring adherence to all COVID-19 protocols.
According to the order, the manufacturing sector can function at full capacity. However, it is advised that the workforce be reduced to ensure adequate social distancing on the production floor, the state government said. -For the purpose of maintaining social distancing, manufacturing units may be allowed to increase the working shifts as approved by the local authorities.
If any manufacturing firm is found to be violating the norms, apart from being penalized it shall also be asked to remain closed till the pandemic ends.
Maharashtra reported a single-day spike of 25,833 COVID-19 cases taking the tally to 2,396,340. The toll from the viral disease has gone up to 53,138. In light of the spurt in COVID-19 cases in Mumbai.
