The Maharashtra government on Friday announced a slew of new multi-tiered guidelines in a bid to break the chain of COVID-19 transmission. Broken down into five levels, the restrictions will depend on the case positivity rate and the percentage of oxygen bed occupancy in the different areas. The order will go into effect from Monday (June 7), but the curbs will be reviewed and updated on a weekly basis as the COVID-19 situation changes.
While the numbers have been provided in the state government order, the district and administrative units have been asked to further decide which level of restrictions should be imposed. According to the order, the DDMA will use the numbers declared by the state's Public Health Department every Thursday to take a call. Any changes will come into effect from the following Monday.
On Friday, Mumbai's positivity rate was 3.55%, while the oxygen bed occupancy percentage till 4th June was 25.65%. Going by these numbers, Mumbai is presently a borderline Level 2 area. Keep in mind however that the weekly averages are somewhat higher, and that the numbers may soon change.
Going by the new restrictions, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, Thane Municipal Corporation, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation and Kalyan-Dombivali Municipal Corporation are being treated as separate administrative units.
According to the new state guidelines for Level 2 areas:
Both essential and non-essential shops and establishments will operate regularly.
Malls, theatres, multiplexes and the like will operate with 50% capacity.
Restaurants will be operating at 50% capacity for dining in.
Local trains will remain restricted for medical, essential and exempted individuals as well as women. Further curbs may be added by the DMA.
All private offices can open, and both government and private offices can have 100% attendance.
While public spaces will operate regularly, social and cultural gatherings will take place with 50% capacity.
Timings have been announced for sports, with no restrictions for outdoor games. Indoor games may be undertaken from 5 am to 9 am and from 5 pm to 9 pm.
Marriages can take place with 50% capacity of the the hall and with a maximum of 100 people. Funerals can take place normally and meetings elections and the like can occur with 50% capacity.