Maharashtra extends lockdown till Aug 31

Maharashtra being one of the worst hit states in India, decided to extend its lockdown to August 31 midnight under its Mission Begin Again plan. The order also stated certain relaxations and phase-wise openings in an attempt to contain COVID-19 spread in the state.

The announcement came after the Center’s Unlock 3 guidelines, announced on July 29.

According to the order, malls and market complexes without cinema halls, food courts and restaurants will be operational between 9 am and 7 pm from August 5. Wearing a mask and following social distancing norms are mandatory.

All other activities including barber shops, salons, spas etc, which were allowed earlier, will also remain open in the current order. All non-essential shops will also remain open from 9 am to 7 pm. Liquor shops will be allowed to operate if permitted for home delivery, or otherwise.

Outdoor non-team sports like golf courses, outdoor gymnastics, tennis, outdoor badminton will be allowed with physical distancing. Swimming pools will not be allowed to operate.

However the state government stressed that such movement of the people in outdoor activities shall be allowed only when mandatory social distancing norms are maintained.

The order also allows District Collector and Municipal Corporations in the state to enforce certain measures and necessary restrictions in specified local areas on the permitted non-essential activities and movement of people for the purpose of non-essential activities such as shopping and outdoor exercises.

Maharashtra covid-19 tally is at 4,00,651, including 2,39,755 recovered cases, 1,46,129 active cases and 14,463 deaths. Recovery rate in the state is at 59.84% and its case fatality rate is 3.61% as against the national average 2.23%.