Struggling to contain the spread of Covid-19 infection, the Maharashtra government has imposed a night curfew from 8 pm to 8 am, starting Sunday night.
Maharashtra on Saturday reported 35,726 new cases. As many as 14, 523 patients were discharged and there were 166 Covid-19 death were reported. The case fatality rate in the state is 2.02% and recovery rate is 86.58%. As of Saturday, 14,88,701 people were in home quarantine and 15,644 people were in institutional quarantine. Mumbai reported the highest single day spike of 6,130 new cases with 20 deaths.
All public places, restaurants, malls, cinema halls (single screens and multiplexes), auditoriums, beaches and gardens will remain closed at night till April 15. Gatherings of more than five people have been prohibited during the curfew hours with a penalty of Rs 1,000 per head. All Covid protocols have to be adhered to. Wearing of masks is mandatory and those found not wearing a mask will be fined Rs 500 per head. Similarly, any person found spitting in a public place will be fined Rs 1,000.
As per the government order issued Saturday, violations by cinema halls, hotels and restaurants will result in the closing of establishments for the period Covid-19 pandemic stays notified as a disaster by the central government and also attract penalties under Disaster Management Act 2005 for the owner of premises. Home delivery and takeaway from restaurants have however been allowed during curfew timings.
No cultural, social, political-religious gatherings are allowed and auditoriums/drama theatres have been barred to use their premises for conducting said gatherings. More than 50 people are not allowed for weddings and violators will be penalized under the Disaster Act.
Local authorities have been instructed to ensure that more than 20 people are not present for performing last rites. As per the government order regarding home quarantine, local authorities along with medical professional will ensure that due precautions of home quarantine are taken and inform authorities about violations for further action. A board will have to be put up on the door or conspicuous location for 14 days indicating the presence of Covid-19 patient. Seal of home quarantine on hand has to be affixed by local authorities. Violation to isolation will lead to an immediate shifting to the Covid Care Centre.
Except for the manufacturing sector which will work in full capacity with social distancing on production floor and is allowed to increase work shifts as approved by local authorities, all private offices except related to heath and essential services will have to function at 50% capacity. Any violations will result in the closure of the unit till Covid-19 pandemic stays notified as pandemic as well as attract penalties under the Disaster Act.
In government offices apart from those of the elected representatives, special passes may be issued by the department/head for visitors who have been called for meetings. The heads of government and semi-government offices will take decision regarding staff attendance adhering to all Covid protocols.
Management trusts of all religious places will decide on the maximum number of visitors per hour depending upon availably of space for movement and gathering with Covid protocols. Online registration for visits should be encouraged.
However Mayor Kishori Pednekar said that night curfew may begin from 10 pm or 11 pm. In view of the higher positivity rate in buildings than in slums and chawls, Pednekar warned that BMC will seal residential societies with five or more cases.
Due to the increasing number of Covid cases many districts in the state are already under restrictions. Beed and Nanded are under lockdown till April 4. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation has banned Holi celebrations this year. Cities of Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Palghar, Nagpur and Aurangabad among others have a high case load.
