Maharashtra government imposes state-wide night curfew starting today; no gatherings allowed between 8 pm and 7 am till April 15
Phoenix Palladium in Lower Parel wore a deserted look on Saturday afternoon, following the state government’s ‘mandatory COVID-19 test’ rule for all mall visitors. Pic/Bipin Kokate
In an attempt to contain a sharp spike in COVID-19 active cases, the state government has notified a night curfew across the state, to be imposed from today. Under the restrictions, gatherings of more than five people will not be allowed between 8 pm and 7 am. A fine of Rs 1,000 per offender has been specified in the order.
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All establishments, public places, beaches, gardens, theatres, cinema halls and malls will close at 8 pm. The enforcement on public places will start from Saturday midnight itself, said the chief secretary’s order on Saturday. Violation of public place guidelines will attract a penalty of Rs 1,000 per person.
Any person found to be without mask will have to pay Rs 500 as fine. Spitting at public places will cost the offender Rs 1,000 in penalty.
Though hotels and restaurants have been asked to not entertain guests between 8 pm and 7 am, they are allowed to operate home delivery and take away counters during the said time.
Curfew may be extended
The new guidelines will be effective till April 15, and could be lifted or extended, making them even harsher depending on the situation. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray decided the need for night curfew on Friday. He has warned against non-cooperation from people, which might lead to complete lockdown in the future.
Private offices, except essential services, have been asked to operate at 50 per cent capaciity. The manufacturing sector can work full capacity, but it has been advised to reduce the number of workers on the floor to maintain physical distancing. To keep the production unaffected, the manufacturer may increase working shifts with permission from local authorities.
In government offices, the respective section heads have been asked to arrange work schedules keeping the COVID-19 protocols in view. No visitor will be allowed in government offices except for urgent work. The visitor will be issued a special pass.
Persons in home isolation will be stamped and a board will be put up for 14 days at their locations (buildings) to indicate the presence of active patients. The medical professional treating the patient will be held responsible for ensuring home isolation and reporting of any violation. The doctor may choose to be relieved as supervisor of the patient under treatment.
Families of positive patients have been advised to restrict movement. The patients will be sent to the COVID Care Centre if violation is reported.
Public transport to stay open
Shopping malls, restaurants, multiplexes will have to ensure that no patron is allowed to enter without wearing masks. Temperature measuring devices and sanitisers have been made compulsory at these places. They have been asked to appoint adequate manpower to check violations in wearing masks and physical distancing on their premises. Restaurants and cinema halls will continue to operate at 50 per cent capacity.
Religious places have been asked to decide on the visitors per hour depending upon the space available and to follow COVID-19 norms similar to malls and cinema halls. Public transport will remain open, but with certain restrictions. Anyone found violating these restrictions will face a fine of Rs 500.
No social, political and cultural gatherings will be allowed. Violation will result in closing of the premises till the pandemic continues to be notified as a disaster by the Centre, said the state.
The government has reiterated guidelines for weddings and funerals after they were flouted by people. Maximum 50 people can attend weddings and 20 can go to a funeral. Wedding halls that violate norms will be closed till the Centre’s pandemic measures remain effective.
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