Schools and universities in Maharashtra closed until October 31 | Photo credit: iStock Images
Maharashtra schools will be closed until October 31 as part of the extended closure. As there is no relief in the number of pandemic patients in the state of Maharashtra, the government has decided not to reopen any educational institutions like schools, colleges and trainings in the state. According to the notice issued by the state government, online and distance learning would be allowed and encouraged.
The gradual reopening in the state was titled Mission Begin Again by the Maharashtra government. Under the disaster management law, the state executive committee has released a document with revised guidelines to contain the spread of COVID19. The lockdown has been extended until midnight on October 31, 2020, now.
The government has issued directives that people would have to cover their faces at all times in their workplaces, working from home would be a preferred way of working, social distancing should be strictly followed, and gatherings should be avoided. Related article | Not to reopen in October, decision after mid-November, says Mamata Banerjee
Maharashtra closure guidelines – restricted activities
Under activities that remain restricted are-
- Reopening of schools and universities postponed until after October 31, 2020
- Hotels, food courts, restaurants, and bars can operate starting October 5 with a capacity not exceeding 50 percent or as prescribed by local authorities.
- Movie theaters, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theaters in shopping centers and market squares, auditoriums, assembly halls would also remain closed.
The tourism department will also issue a separate Standard Operating Procedure to take the necessary precautions when operating these establishments. Railways would also increase the frequency of local trains on the MMR. Local trains in the Pune region will restart with the protocols and procedures adopted in the MMR. The government is planning a gradual reopening of activities in the state with ease of operation. The number of cases in Maharashtra has been the highest so far.
