Putting an end to all the confusion, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Saturday issued a formal order saying that Mumbai falls under 'Level 3' of the Maharashtra government's unlocking plan as it has a 5.56 per cent positivity rate and 32.51 per cent oxygen bed occupancy.
This comes after the state government on Friday midnight announced a five-level plan to relax the coronavirus-induced restrictions in the state, based on the weekly positivity rate and the occupancy of oxygen beds.
Will bars, restaurants, salons, spas and gyms be open in Mumbai?
Gyms and salons in the city are set to open from June 7 with 50 per cent capacity till 4 pm. Dine-in at restaurants at 50 per cent capacity shall be allowed till 4 pm after which only takeaway and home delivery are permitted.
Will local trains be open for all?
According to the Maharashtra government's Level 3 guidelines, travelling in local trains is restricted to medical, essential staff and women. However, the BMC in its guidelines has not permitted women to travel in Mumbai locals. In Mumbai, travel in local trains is permitted only for medical and essential services, the BMC said in its order. All passengers will be permitted to travel by public transport buses.
What are other rules?
Shops selling essential items will be open till 4 pm on all days. Shops selling non-essential items will be open till 4 pm on weekdays. All malls and theatres will remain closed.
Cycling and morning walk in public places is allowed between 5 am and 9 am every day. Private offices can remain open till 4 pm on working days while office attendance (including government offices) has been restricted at 50 per cent.
Outdoor sports are allowed on weekdays from 5 am to 9 am. Film shooting is allowed in bubbles. No movement outside post 5 pm.
Again, social, cultural and entertainment gatherings are allowed with 50 per cent capacity.
Only 50 people are allowed for marriages and 20 for funerals.
Construction activities are allowed however, only onsite labourers or labourers must leave by 4 pm. Moreover, e-commerce of all items is allowed, according to the order.
Earlier, confusion prevailed over whether Mumbai falls in Level 2 or 3 after applying the criteria of positivity rate and oxygen bed occupancy. Initially, BMC Commissioner Iqbal Chahal said Mumbai would be in Level 2 but he and city Mayor Kishori Pednekar clarified that it would be in Level 3 after people from cross-sections on social media especially Twitter raised a couple of questions on the city's status in the unlock strategy.
However, BMC in a tweet clarified, “Municipal Commissioner @IqbalSinghChah2 informs that Mumbai shall fall under level 3, as per #BreakTheChain orders by the state government.’’
