Delta Plus variant: Maharashtra tightens lockdown norms in state

Aurangabad/Mumbai:The Maharashtra state government has decided to tighten the existing COVID-19 curbs from Monday onwards in view of Delta Plus variant and the warning of a possible third wave.

Therefore, the third level restrictions have been implemented in 33 districts of the state from today, the sources said.

Accordingly, all shops and services will be completely closed on Saturday and Sunday.Schools, colleges and coaching classes in the state will remain closed, but online teaching will be allowed.

There will be a complete ban on dharna, agitations, rallies and hunger strikes in the state. All religious places will remain closed, sources said.

In addition, all types of shops will be open from Monday to Friday from 0700 hours to 1600 hours, with the exception of emergency services staff and everything will remain closed from 1600 hours to 0700 hours.

Private offices will operate at 50 per cent capacity till 1600 hours, while government offices will operate at 50 per cent capacity except for essential services.

Malls and cinemas will be completely closed, while cultural events will be allowed at 50 per cent capacity till 1600 hours.

The restaurants will be at 50 per cent capacity till 1600 hours, after which the door-to-door service will continue like this.The public transport system will start with 100 per cent seating capacity, but standing travel will be prohibited.

Exercise, walking or cycling will be allowed in public places, open spaces from 0500 to 0900 hours in the morning, while hairdressing salons and beauty parlors will be open at 50 per cent capacity till 1600 hours in the afternoon. Only 50 people are allowed to attend the wedding and 20 people are allowed to attend the funeral.

The state government has clarified that all industries as well as construction will continue in compliance with the rules regarding Covid,They added.

It may noted that during the past 24 hours 9974 fresh Covid cases with 143 deaths were reported in the state, while 8,562 were cured and 1,22,252 active patients are still undergoing treatment.(UNI)