Maharashtra eases curbs in 22 districts; shops to open till 8 pm on weekdays

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government on Monday finally rolled out a notification of easing few restrictions in all the districts which fall under 'Level 2 and Level 1' amid COVID-19 pandemic. The state government however has not eased relaxations on14 districts which include Kolhapur, Pune and Ratnagiri among others.

According to the notification issued by the government, aII essential and non-essential shops (including shopping malls) will be now allowed to remain open on all weekdays till 8 PM and till 3 PM on Saturday. Earlier the shops were allowed dto stay open only till 4 pm. Besides, all shops and malls except essential shops to remain closed on Sundays. Here's a complete look at the restrictions which have been slightly eased by the government of Maharashtra:

AII essential and non-essential shops (including shopping malls) to remain open on all weekdays till 8 PM and till 3 PM on Saturday. All shops and malls except essential shops to remain closed on Sundays.

2) All Public Gardens and playgrounds can be kept open for the purpose of exercise, walking, jogging and cycling.

3) All Government and Private Offices can be operational with full capacity. Staggering of work hours to be done to avoid crowds while travelling.

4) The offices that can function through working from home should continue to do so.

5) All agricultural activity, Civil Works, Industrial activity, transport of goods can remain functional at full capacity.

6) Gymnasiums, Yoga Centers, Hair Cutting salons, beauty parlors, Spa's can remain open without use of air-ccnditioners and with 50% capacity till 8 PM on weekdays and till 3 PM on Saturdays. The said services will remain closed on Sundays.

7) All cinema theaters, drama theaters and multiplexes (independent and inside malls) to remain closed till further orders.

8) All places of worship in the State to remain closed till further orders.

9) The orders ofthe State Education department and the Higher and Technical Department will be applicable for schools and colleges

l0) All restaurants will remain open with 50% seating capacity till 4 PM on weekdays subject to adherence to all COVID-19 protocols. Parcel and Takeaway to be allowed as is allowed currently.

11) Restrictions on movement will be applicable from 9 PM to 5 AM.

12) In order to avoid crowding, restrictions imposed on birthday celebration, Political, Social and Cultural events, elections, election campaigning, rallies, protest marches to be continued.

All COVID-19 protocols - use of masks, social distancing etc. to be scrupulously followed across the State by all the citizens. Failure in stringent adherence to the same will result in action on the defaulters under relevant sections of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the Epidemic Act and Section 1860 ofthe Indian Penal Code.