Given the cases of the Delta plus variant of COVID-19 emerging in Maharashtra, the Uddhav Thackeray-led state government, on Friday, has issued new orders concerning the levels of restrictions. The state's health minister Rajesh Tope has said that out of 21 Delta Plus variant cases of COVID-19 in Maharashtra, one 80-year-old woman with co-morbidities has passed away.
Other cases include nine in Ratnagiri, seven in Jalgaon, two in Mumbai, and one case each in Palghar, Thane, and Sindhudurg districts.
The Maharashtra government has placed the entire state in Level-3. According to the order issued by Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte today:
• Entire Maharashtra is now in the category of Level-3• Level-1 and Level-2 districts automatically moved to Level 3• Where there was exemption under Level-1 and Level-2, the rules of Level-3 will be implemented• Ban on opening malls and theaters• Restaurants will remain open till 4 pm with 50% capacity• Travel in local trains limited to medical staff, essential services, and women• Public places and gardens for walking and cycling from 5 am to 9 am• Only 50 percent attendance allowed in government offices• Exemption for a maximum of 50 people in wedding ceremonies• Maximum 20 people to attend the funeral
Reports state that the unlocking process in the state will be stricter now and will be focused on vaccinations. Total RT-PCR tests conducted will also be considered while easing curbs.
Meanwhile, in a significant milestone, Maharashtra became the first state in the country to give 3 crores COVID vaccine jabs, an official said on Friday.
"At 2 pm on June 25, the total COVID-19 vaccination doses administered in the state stood at 3,00,27,217," Additional Chief Secretary, Health, Dr Pradeep Vyas said.
The new set of guidelines announced by the state said, "Push vaccination through public awareness activities, an attempt must be to achieve vaccination of 70 percent eligible population at the earliest, encourage workplace vaccinations, especially of blue-collar workers."