Unlock 1: Maharashtra government releases guidelines

 Unlock 1: Maharashtra government releases guidelines

The new guidelines of the Centre include a roadmap to lift the lockout and encourage states to decide on when and under what conditions educational institutions, public transport and other social gathering places should open. This also grants the States powers to take strict steps according to their needs and must obey those given by the Centre. Prime Minister Narendra Modi first announced the nationwide lockdown for three weeks on March 24, to curb the spread of coronavirus disease. It has since been expanded thrice.

Most state governments are issuing specific guidelines per the directions of the Centre, which will allow almost all activities to be resumed, except for a few such as metro operations and the opening of cinemas and gymnasiums, as of June 1.

Maharashtra's Chief minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday suggested that Maharashtra, particularly hotspots like Mumbai and Pune, will remain under lockdown - though with a few more relaxations - once this Sunday's version 4.0 expires. He said the next 15 days will be critical in the battle against COVID-19-when "everyone needs to be alert."

The government of Maharashtra on May 31 extended the lockdown in the state until June 30 and issued revised guidelines for phase-wise opening and easing restrictions on lockdowns.

The state government has called 'Mission Begin Again' the gradual opening of activities in Maharashtra, India's worst-affected State.

"In Municipal Corporations of the MMR Region including MCGM, Municipal Corporations of Pune, Solapur, Aurangabad, Malegaon, Nashik, Dhule, Jalgaon, Akola, Amravati and Nagpur following activities are further permitted with restrictions, in phases as described below with the exception of containment zones," the order stated, listing the activities permitted in a phase-wise way.

Begin Again- phase 1

Physical outdoor activities. Individual physical exercises such as cycling, jogging / running/walking are allowed in public open spaces including beaches, public/private playgrounds, societies/institutions grounds, gardens and walks under the following conditions. The indoor portion or indoor stadium will not allow for any activities.

I) Is allowed between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m.

2) No group activity is allowed. Kids should, however, be accompanied by an adult.

3) It is advisable that people stay outdoors for a limited period of physical activity only.

4) No further operation is required.

5) People are only allowed to use open spaces in the vicinity/neighbourhood. Long-distance travel is not allowed.

6) It's recommended that people avoid crowded open spaces. People are actively encouraged to use cycling as a form of physical exercise, as it ensures automatic social distance.

Activities involving self-employed people such as plumbers, electricians, pest-control and technicians with social distancing criteria and mask and sanitization use.

All government offices (excluding Emergency, Health & Medical, Treasuries, Disaster Management, Police, NIC, Food & Civil Supply, FCI, N.Y.K., Municipal Services that are capable of operating at the required level) will operate at a strength of 15 per cent or at least 15 employees, whatever the need.

Phase-2 (With effect from 5th June 2020)

 All markets, market areas & shops, except malls and market complexes, are permitted to operate on a PI-P2 basis (shops on one side of the road/lane/passage to be opened on unusual dates while shops on the other side on even dates) from 9 am to 5 pm, subject to the following conditions.

a. Use of trial rooms in the shops will not be allowed for clothing, apparel and similar items to prevent infection from spreading. Similarly, the policy of exchange and return will not be allowed.

b. Shopkeepers must be responsible for maintaining social distance levels in the shops and are encouraged to take steps such as ground foot markings, token scheme, home delivery etc.

c. It is recommended that people walk / use bikes for shopping purposes and use nearby / neighbourhood markets as far as possible. Long-distance travel is not permitted for nonessential things. Usage of motorized vehicles would be specifically discouraged for shopping.

d. If any social distancing failure is seen, then authorities will close such shops/markets immediately.

e. People are allowed to move in the following manner:

Taxi Cab / aggregator: Just basic I + 2

Rickshaw: I + 2 is only basic

Four Wheeler: 1 + 2 critical only

Two-wheeler: One Driver, just necessary

Phase III (With Effect June 8, 2020)

I. Both private offices, with the remaining persons working from home, will operate with up to 10 per cent strength as per requirement. However, all employers will take awareness programs to educate employees to take adequate precautions when returning home so that vulnerable groups are not infected, especially the elderly.

7. In the rest of the State, with the exception of the areas covered by clause 6, all practices which are not covered by clause 8 of this order and which are not expressly forbidden or restricted shall continue to be allowed, subject to the following terms.

 There is no need for permission from any Govt. Authorities on activities authorized.

a. The outdoor portion of Sports complexes and Stadia and other public spaces open to the sky will be allowed to remain open to individual exercises; however, spectators and group activities will not be permitted. The indoor portion or indoor stadium will not allow for any activities. All physical activity and tasks should be carried out according to social distancing norms.

b. Passenger management will be followed by all public and private transports: 1. Two Wheeler: 1 11th Rider. Wheeler 3: 1 + 2 111. Wheeler Four: 1 + 2 d. Intra-district bus service will be allowed with a maximum 50% capacity per bus with physical distancing and sanitation measures.

c. Orders for inter-district bus service will not be allowed. In this regard, instructions will be given separately.

d. All markets/shops will remain open starting at 9 a.m. By 5 P.M. If there is some crowding or lack of social distancing standards, then authorities must close immediately.

8. The following activities remain prohibited throughout the state:

I. Schools, universities, institutes of education, instruction, coaching etc.

ii. Passenger travels internationally, except as permitted by MHA.

iii. Metro rail services

IV. Passenger transportation by train and domestic air travel, unless specifically authorized by separate orders and standard operating procedure (SOP)

V. Rooms for theatres, gymnasiums, swimming pools, amusement centres, theatres, bars and auditoriums, assembly halls and the like.

Vi. Private, financial, sport/ sports, academic/cultural, social, and large congregations.

 Vii. Religious places/ places of worship for public

Viii. Come on. Barbershops, spas, beauty parlours, saloons.

ix. Shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, and other leisure facilities.

Taxis, rickshaws were not permitted under those guidelines while four-wheelers and two-wheelers were permitted only for essential travel. For medical staff, goods, and cargo-only inter-state and intra-state movement of vehicles was permitted.

In non-red zones, intra-district bus service was permitted with a minimum capacity of 50 per cent and open markets were allowed.

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