Maharashtra, which is under a strict lockdown to contain the massive coronavirus crisis in the state, will be unlocking from Monday in five phases based on positivity rate occupancy of oxygen beds. This comes a day after the state government’s U-turn on an unlock plan announced by Minister Vijay Wadettiwar earlier.
The new guidelines come into effect from Monday with the districts of the state divided into five levels based on positivity rate and oxygen bed occupancies.
Level -1
All districts where the Covid case positivity rate is 5 per cent or less and the occupancy of hospital beds is lower than 25 per cent fall under Level 1. These districts will be allowed to completely unlock and all activities will continue normally.
Theatres, malls, private and government officers will be permitted to open in these districts. Weddings, funerals, and film shooting will also be allowed in such places, according to Maharashtra Minister Vijay Wadettiwar’s announcement on June 3.
Districts under Level 1 include Aurangabad, Bhandara, Dhule, Gadchiroli, Jalgaon, Jalna, Nanded, Nashik, Parbhani, and Thane.
Level – 2
Cities and districts that have a 5 per cent Covid case positivity rate and 25-40 per cent occupancy of hospital beds will be included in level 2. All restrictions from level 1 will apply in level 2.
Section 144 will remain applicable in the districts that fall under level 2. Mumbai falls in level 2 of the unlock plan.
Theatres, malls restaurants, gyms, salons, and beauty parlors will be permitted to operate at 50 per cent occupancy. Local trains will not be allowed to operate for the general public.
All shops will be allowed to stay open during regular hours. Local trains will not be allowed for the general public. Section 144 will be in place that is not more than five people can gather in public places.
Level – 3
All districts where the Covid case positivity rate is 5-10 per cent and occupancy of hospital beds are lower than 40-60 per cent fall under level 3.
The shop selling essentials items will be allowed to stay open till 4 pm on all days and selling non-essential can function only on weekdays. Malls and theatres will stay closed. Section 144 will be applicable in level 3 areas.
Gyms, salons will open only till 4 pm. Restaurants can stay open till 4 pm on weekdays. After 4 pm, only takeaway services will be allowed. Construction activities will be allowed with 50 per cent staff. Private offices can stay open till 4 pm on weekdays. Local trains can only be used by essential workers and women. Parks and gardens can open from 5 am to 9 am.
Level – 4
Areas having a positivity rate of 10-20 per cent and 60-75 per cent occupancy rate will come under level 4.
The shops selling essentials can stay open till 4 pm every day. No movement post 5 pm and none on weekend. The manufacturing sectors will be allowed to open with 50 per cent capacity. Public transport will be allowed at 5o per cent capacity. Section 144 will continue.
Level – 5
Cities and districts that have a positivity rate of 20 per cent and above and occupancy rate above 75 per cent will fall under level 5. There would be no relaxation in such an area. An e-pass is required to travel to/from any city/district which comes under level 5.
🚨Level of restrictions for breaking the chain 🚨 pic.twitter.com/Vi8WvkDuqi
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) June 4, 2021
