Fresh Covid curbs in Maharashtra; pvt offices to function with 50% staff

Maharashtra govt on Friday imposed restrictions on drama theatres and auditoriums in the state, asking them to operate only at 50% of their capacity till March 31

The Maharashtra government on Friday imposed fresh restrictions in the wake of rising coronavirus cases. According to the order, all drama theatres and auditoriums in the state should operate at 50 per cent capacity. 

In case of violations, concerned theatres and auditoriums will be ordered to remain closed till the pandemic ends, and penalties will also be attracted.

Apart from that, all private offices, except related to health and other essential services, must also operate at 50 per cent capacity. These measures will be in force till March 31.

In case of government and semi-government offices, the head of the office will take a decision regarding the staff attendanceand ensure adherence to COVID-19 protocols. The order, however, allowed the manufacturing sector to function at full capacity, but advised that the workforce be reduced to ensure adequate social distancing on the production floor.

For the purpose of maintaining social distancing, manufacturing units may be allowed to increase working shifts as approved by local authorities.

No entry will be allowed without proper wearing of masks, temperature measuring devices to be used to ensure no one with fever gets an entry, it said.

On March 15, the state government had notified that cinema halls, hotels, restuarants and offices, except those related to health and essential services, will function at 50 per cent of their capacity.

But the Friday's order has included drama theatres and auditoriums as well.

On Thursday, Maharashtra recorded 25,833 new coronavirus cases, the hightest single-day spike since last March when the first coronavirus infection was detected. It took the caseload to 2,396,340. With 58 fatalities, the death toll jumped to 53,138. The earlier record was 24,886 cases, reported on September 11 last year.

The state is in the beginning of second Covid-19 wave, a central team report had said earlier this week.

Meanhwile, Mumbai too has recorded its highest one-day spike of 2,877 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, which took the tally of cases in the city to 352,835.

Nagpur city on the second consecutive day recorded highest number of new Covid-19 cases at 2,926, followed by 2,791 in Pune city.