Maharashtra unlock: Local trains and malls now open for fully vaxxed

MUMBAI: Wearied by months of lockdown hardship, Mumbaikars are looking forward to long-awaited relaxations in local train travel and business from Independence Day on Sunday. Malls can now reopen, while restaurants, gyms, salons and spas are permitted to function at 50% capacity till 10pm, helping ease livelihoods.

While easing restrictions, the state government has issued a rider than workforce in establishments like shops, malls, restaurants and even wedding halls should be fully vaccinated (14 days since the second dose), though BMC commissioner IS Chahal said on Friday that staffers with a single dose will also be allowed to work and shop owners have to display the vaccination status of their staff. However, till late on Saturday evening, no such change of rules was issued by the state and Chahal said he was awaiting orders from the government. Senior state government officials said the health department was expected to issue revised orders soon, and until then the current rule of having only fully vaccinated staff would be applicable.
Most relieved is that section of the workforce that has taken both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine and may take the train. Jashwant Jani, an employee of Roopam Fashion House in Crawford Market, said, "I live in Mira Road and it would take three hours to commute by bus... Now I have a rail pass and can travel without fear."
Gym owners are waiting to welcome evening crowds as are salons and spas. Anas Qureshi, manager of Rhino's Gym in Chakala, Andheri (East), said, "Our clients are very happy and are making appointments. We have informed them of our intense safety protocol which involves sanitising equipment every hour, installing oximeters and making masks compulsory at entry. Our staff is fully vaccinated. Eighty percent of customers have taken the first dose too." Irfan Rangrez of Gym Spirit in Andheri (West) reopened shop a few days ago, after closing hour was redefined as 8pm. "The gym equipment was spoiled, so I spent Rs 1.5 lakh to refurbish. It will take a while to recover that investment but at least the actors of Lokhandwala Complex and Versova who are our members can come for evening workout now."
On Saturday, the management of Growel's 101 mall in Kandivli got workers to sanitise premises and began recalling employees, all of whom are partially vaccinated. Growel's has deployed social distancing officers and will ensure contact-less facilities.
Restaurants are keen to host patrons for dinner after a long interval. Aaswad in Dadar has got its cooks and kitchen staff inoculated, but waiters are still in queue. "Until then we will offer in-dining only until afternoon. At least we are permitted to reopen till 10 pm," said manager Rajesh Sanzgiri.
Betty Ho of Betty's Salon in Hill Road, Bandra, and beautician Lee Mein Yang of Lokhandwala, Andheri, were happy to recall staff in anticipation of higher footfalls.
Fashion garment retailer Mayur Shah of Ella Stores, Irla, said, "Now the government has just to carry out vaccination at full throttle, and allow functions to happen with a larger number of people. Then business will start properly."