Maharashtra Issues New Set Of Restrictions After Cases Of Delta Plus Variant Reported

Maharashtra new covid-19 restrictions: After several cases of Delta Plus variant of COVID-19 were detected in districts of Maharashtra, the state government came out with new orders of additional restrictions on June 25 in the wake of the pandemic in the state.

As per the new order, level three COVID-19 restrictions will be imposed in the state which means that individuals will need e-pass to be able to commute. With the yet another rise in number of positive cases in the state, the state government has re-imposed restrictions which are stricter than before.

The state government orders read, “Given that the virus causing COVID-19 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positivity rate and oxygen bed occupancy percentage -- to remain at a level not below three is to be in operation till withdrawn by specific order of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).” Maharashtra government has allowed the Disaster Management Authority to impose stricter restrictions.

Here are the actions to be taken by the Maharashtra government:

• Essential services will be functional till 4 pm on all days of the week. The same applies to people selling non-essential items.
• Establishments such as Malls, multiplexes and theatres will stay closed. Restaurants can operate at 50 % capacity till 4 pm. After that only takeaways and delivery services will be allowed.
• Only 50 people can attend a wedding ceremony. For funerals, the cap is set at 20 people.
• Only on-site labourers will be allowed to work at construction sites rest everyone has to leave by 4 pm.
• Similarly gyms and salons will be functional till 4 pm and no people will be taken in only on appointment basis. No air conditioning should be functional is such establishments. Public transport and e-commerce services will be allowed.

The Disaster Management Authority has also come up with certain action plan to stop the spread of virus any further. Awareness activities regarding vaccination has been encouraged. The goal is to vaccinate over 70 % of adult population at the earliest.

Test, track and treat methodology has to be followed. Fines have to imposed on people who violate the norms. People are advised to avoid gatherings and containment zones have to be declared judiciously.