The guidelines for the fourth relaxation phase of the Covid-19 lockdown issued by the Maharashtra government go into effect on Wednesday, one day after the conclusion of the Ganpati festival.
Even as the Maharashtra government Vikas Aghadi (MVA) led by Uddhav Thackeray has announced major relaxations in this phase (called Unlocking 4), the general lockdown in the state will continue until September 30 as part of efforts to contain the outbreak of the virus, said the chief secretary. Sanjay Kumar said in a statement Monday.
Here’s everything that’s changed since September 2:
–Movement between districts smoothed outThe state government has allowed the inter-district movement of people and goods, including those for cross-border border trade under treaties with neighboring countries, starting Wednesday. People no longer need an electronic pass to take such a trip.
–Traveling on long-distance trains: The passenger reservation system was enabled and as of September 2, people can travel on long-distance trains only with reserved tickets, an official said. But this trip will be restricted to special trains, which are moving to Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other states, he said, adding that the railways currently run on 32 such trains and there will be no changes in frequency.
Unlike before, these trains will now stop at various stations in the state along the way, depending on their scheduled stops.
–Hotels can operate with full staff: Hotels, guesthouses and hostels in Maharashtra can now resume operations with 100% staff, up from a third of their capacity since July 8.
– Private buses can perform: Private passenger buses and minibuses have also been allowed to operate.
–More people allowed in offices: The Thackeray government has allowed more office attendance during Unlocking 4. Private offices can now operate at 30% of their force (or 30 employees, whichever is more), according to the notice. The limit was previously set at 10%.
In government offices, all Class A and B category officers have been required to attend the office every day, while the attendance of categories C and D has increased to 50% or a minimum of 50 area employees, excluding Mumbai Metropolitan Region and Pune. Metropolitan region.
–Gyms and places of worship may open later: “From gym operations to the opening of religious sites are on the cards. Even the Center has given relaxations in a staggered manner and some of them will come into effect from September 21. We have enough time to think about more relaxations until then, ”said a senior government official.
What remains unchanged
– Inter-state travel remains suspended: Even when the state has allowed interdistrict movement to resume, inter-state travel is still suspended.
–Ban on Metro service operations in MumbaiAlthough the Center has allowed subway trains to resume operations from September 7, the Maharashtra government has decided to continue to ban the operations of subway services in Mumbai for at least one more month, according to the notification.
– Long distance train frequencyWhile restrictions on local trains have not been eased, the frequency of long-distance special trains, which are currently used, has not changed either, an official said.
–Schools, universities closed: Schools, colleges, educational institutions, theaters, swimming pools, bars will remain closed until September 30, according to the notification.
– Meeting restrictions to continue: Restrictions on social, political and cultural gatherings also continue, according to the notification. The Center, however, has allowed academic, sports, entertainment, cultural, religious and political functions with a cap of 100 people as of September 21.
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