Maharashtra Tightens COVID-19 Restrictions, Removes Relaxations Under Level 1 & 2

Mumbai: Amid concerns over the Delta Plus variant of COVID-19, the Maharashtra government has modified the five-level unlock plan by removing the relaxations given under Level 1 and Level 2.

The state currently has 20 more active Delta Plus variant cases.

The Maharashtra government has said that while the easing of restrictions cannot be risked, total RT-PCR testing and rapid antigen testing will not be a deciding factor. The government further said that the focus will be on the vaccination of more and more people.

As per the latest order, all administrative units, including Pune and Thane, will be placed under minimum Level 3 restrictions, which means the previous permission to open malls and other public places will be withheld. Apart from this, shops and other public places will now have to be closed till 4 pm.

The Delta Plus variant has now become a type of concern (VOC) due to its features: increased transmittance; strong binding to the receptors of the lung cell; and possible reduction in monoclonal antibody response. With the changing threat, the Government of Maharashtra has made the following amendments and additions to its earlier order dated June 4, 2021:

“Given that the virus causing Covid019 is undergoing mutations in various geographies, and that these mutations are displaying more transmissibility and potential reductions in monoclonal antibody response, a state-level trigger mandating all the administrative units, irrespective of values of the indices of weekly positivity rate and oxygen bed occupancy percentage, to remain at a level, not below 3 is to be in operation till withdrawn by specific order of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA),” the notification issued by Kunte stated.

Officials said there will be no change for Mumbai as the city already comes under the level-3 category of restrictions.

“It simply means that in the five-tier relaxation plan, we have removed the first two tiers which have a maximum exemption. This also means that all districts and cities will get maximum relaxation under the Level 3 scheme,” said Gupta.

The state has detected 21 delta-plus type cases covering six districts. Of these, nine are in Ratnagiri, seven in Jalgaon, two in Mumbai, and one each in Thane, Palghar, and Sindhudurg.

“Before the second wave hit the state, cases started increasing in Amaravati and then it spread to the entire state. This time we have decided to be more careful in view of the cases of Delta Plus variant being reported in some districts. We cannot live in peace when there is a threat of a possible third wave getting bigger,” said the Relief and Rehabilitation Secretary.

Level 3 Restrictions

Districts or municipal corporations with a weekly positivity rate between 5-10% or oxygen bed occupancy of more than 40% will be classified under Level 3.

Shops selling essential goods in this category can remain open till 4 pm on all days and those selling non-essential items are allowed to function only on weekdays. Malls and theaters will remain closed. Section 144 will apply and not more than five people can gather in a public place, while movement after 5 pm should be minimal. Public transport will be allowed without a stand. Gyms, salons will remain open till 4 pm, with appointments, air conditioners will not be allowed inside the premises.

Restaurants can stay open till 4 pm only on weekdays, afterwards, only takeaways will be allowed. Sports activities will be allowed only between 5 am to 9 am for morning walks and 9 am-9 pm for outdoors. Construction activities will be allowed with 50% staff. Private offices can stay open till 4 pm on weekdays with 50% attendance.

Local trains can be used by essential and medical workers and women only. Parks and gardens can open from 5 am to 9 am every day. Weddings are allowed with a maximum of 50 people, cultural activities allowed at 50% capacity. Manufacturing of essential goods is allowed at 100% capacity, manufacturing units engaged in non-essential goods can work with 50% capacity and a dedicated transport facility for its employees.

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