Covid-19: Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, Navi Mumbai traders cheer new relaxations

THANE: The relaxations from Covid-related restrictions in Navi Mumbai and Thane are along the same lines as Mumbai, except the timings for retail shops.
In Thane district, all retail shops and establishments will be operational till 10 pm from Monday to Saturday while only those selling essential items will be allowed to operate on Sunday. In Mumbai, non-essential retail shops are allowed to function on Sundays as well.
The revised norms for the district including Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli and Navi Mumbai corporations was announced by Thane collector and district disaster management authority, Rajesh Narvekar on Tuesday. “The district remains in Level 3 but has been allowed few relaxations,” he said.
While malls, religious centres, theatres and auditoriums will remain shut, select sports activities will be allowed. Bars and restaurants will operate till 4 pm with 50 per cent occupancy for dine-in, while delivery and takeaway facilities have been permitted till late.
Government and private offices will function with full attendance. Shootings will be allowed and parks can be open between 5 am and 9 am daily, except in the NMMC area where municipal commissioner Abhijit Bangar said they will take a decision on it later.
The retail industry has welcomed the fresh set of relaxations. Kalyan-based jeweller Parag Jain said the extended timings will greatly benefit his customers who were unable to shop due to limited timings.
Mitesh Shah, a trader from Thane, said that several traders were already on the verge of shutting down, but the relaxations will now help them stay afloat and recover losses suffered over the last few months.
Deepak Chatlani, working president of the Ulhasnagar Traders association said the relaxations ahead of the festival season could be beneficial for traders and their clients.