PMC clips number of micro containment zones by 22

PUNE: The civic body on Thursday reduced the number of micro containment zones in the Pune Municipal Corporation limits to 87 — stretching over about 6.5sqkm and less than 3% of the total area in its jurisdiction.
There were 109 containment zones in the Pune civic limits before the fresh round of strict lockdown started on July 14. They were on about 6.69sqkm area of the PMC limits, covering more than 3% of its total area.

According to a fresh order by municipal commissioner Vikram Kumar on Thursday, residents in non-containment zones will be allowed to run, jog and walk. Cycling should be considered as a preferable option, it stated.
Kumar said, “PMC had some aims, including more testing, contact tracing and improving the number of hospital, beds while introducing the strict lockdown. We have fairly achieved them.”
The city from Friday will be back to the limited restrictions phase, introduced in June first week under the Unlock 1 phase 1. The relaxation given in subsequent phases would also be applicable now.
According to the new order, people would be able to use grounds in private societies or near their housing complexes. Parents should accompany children in these places. The common place, gardens and grounds should not be used for any purposes other than personal fitness activities.
The order stated that all the marketplaces barring malls and commercial complexes would be opened with odd and even system in non-containment zones. They can operate from 9am to 7pm.
People have been advised to visit nearby shops. The shopkeepers will be responsible for maintaining the 6ft distance between two people. The authorities will ask to close the shops if they observe any norms are flouted.
Autorickshaws, cabs and four-wheelers would be allowed to ply with only three persons, including the driver. Two-wheelers can be used only by the riders for essential works.
Private offices can function with 10% staff or a maximum of 10 employees. IT and ITeS firms would be allowed to operate with 50% staff strength, and the call centres with minimum manpower.
Domestic helps would be allowed to go to work after owners of houses in non-containment zones give their consent. Electricians and plumbers will be allowed to provide services with all precautionary measures like wearing masks and usage of sanitizers.
In containment zones, only essential and emergency services, and shops can function from 9am to 2pm.