Maharashtra imposes fresh lockdown,rules to curb Covid

The Maharashtra government has announced a slew of new Covid guidelines including lockdowns across various regions in the state in a bid to curb the new surge of coronavirus cases. A ten day lockdown was announced Yeotmal and a weekend lockdown was imposed in Amravati. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) also released a set of fresh Covid-19 guidelines for Mumbai. Both Amravati and Yeotmal  has been reporting a steady rise in Covid-19 cases since the start of February. The measures came on a day when Maharashtra reported 5,427 new Covid-19 cases, a daily tally not seen in more than two months.

The administration in Yavatmal district ordered curbs on gatherings and also the closure of schools,which had reopened for select classes, for ten days. Colleges, and coaching classes in Yavatmal district will remain closed till February 28, while only 50 persons will be permitted at weddings, Yavatmal collector DM Singh said. Religious places will remain open but Covid-19 protocols will be strictly implemented, he said. Hotels and restaurants will be allowed to operate between 8 am to 9.30 pm, while markets and shops will remain open till 8 pm. Almost 80 to 90 per cent of new cases were being reported from Yavatmal, Pandharkawda and Pusad cities.

A weekend lockdown was announced in Amravati district, from 8 pm on Saturday to 7 am on Monday, a period during which markets and other establishments will remain shut, but essential services will remain unaffected. Amravati Collector Shailesh Naval said on weekdays, all establishments in the district, including hotels and restaurants would stay open only till 8 pm. Swimming pools and indoor games, too, will remain closed, while only five people will be allowed at religious ceremonies.

BMC has decided to register offences against people who violate safety guidelines. The civic body has intensified action against people found without masks in public and will take action against function halls, gymnasiums and other establishments that don't follow safety norms.The permissible limit of guests at function halls is 50, while restaurants are allowed to operate with 50 per cent occupancy at any given time. BMC commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal ordered the deployment of additional marshals on suburban trains and also directed to ramp up testing in high positivity areas.The civic body has decided to resume stamping of the hands of people who are placed under home quarantine, and in case of violation, an offence will be registered against them.

Updated guidelines issued by Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal to ensure that we don’t let #COVID19 get the better of Mumbai.#NaToCorona#MissionZero pic.twitter.com/Aq3xAdzdaf

— माझी Mumbai, आपली BMC (@mybmc) February 18, 2021

On Thursday, Mumbai recorded its highest spike in seven days with 736 new Covid-19 cases. The total number of Covid-19 cases in Mumbai now stands at 3,16,487. The death toll increased by four to reach a total of 11,430. Maharashtra health minister Rjesh Tope also tested Covid positive.