Maharashtra government has released a notification of the coming week with new numbers for positivity rate and bed occupancy details for each district.
As per the new order, Mumbai's positivity rate is 3.79% and oxygen bed occupancy is 23.56%. Considering the criteria for Level 1 areas, Mumbai has now reached Level 1. However, the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation has not yet updated its status. Last week, even though the status of the city was Level 2, the civic body kept it in Level 3.
Now, today after, the BMC releases the status of the Mumbai region, we will get to know what restrictions will be eased in the city.
The state government recently issued a five-level restriction easing plan to reopen the state, which was under a lockdown induced by the devastating second COVID-19 wave over the last few weeks.
The degree of relaxation has been decided as per the level of severity of Covid-19 in those districts. According to the guidelines, the situation will be assessed every Thursday by the Public Health Department.
Level 1 has the least restrictions while Level 5 will have the most.
In Level 1, restrictions will be placed in areas with a positivity rate of less than 5 per cent, and where less than 25 per cent of oxygen beds are occupied. Shops selling both essential and non-essential items, and malls and theatres, restaurants and public places for outdoor activities will be open.
Private and government offices, funerals, marriages, gyms and salons will also be allowed to function regularly. Locals trains will function regularly.
Level 2 restrictions will be followed where the positivity rate is below 5 per cent and oxygen bed occupancy is between 25 to 40 per cent. In this, restrictions will be as level 1, but with 50 per cent occupancy in theatres, gyms, marriages and restaurants. Use of local trains will be restricted with an exemption for medical and essential reasons.
Districts with a positivity rate between 5 and 10 per cent, or bed occupancy of over 40 per cent will follow Level 3 restrictions.
Stores will only be open till 4 pm and malls and theatres will remain closed. Restaurants will only be allowed 50 per cent capacity till 4 pm on weekdays. Public places for outdoor activities will only be open from 5 am to 9 am. All private offices will only be allowed to function with 50 per cent capacity till 4 pm on working days.
Only 50 people will be permitted at marriages, 20 people in funerals. Construction will be permitted but either with only onsite labourers, or they must leave by 4 pm.
Level 4 only allows essential shops to open till 4 pm and pickup/home delivery for restaurants.
In Level 5 will follow nearly a complete lockdown situation. Essential shops will be open till 4 pm, only home delivery for restaurants.
(With inputs from agencies)
