Struggling to arrest the fresh surge in COVID-19 cases, the Maharashtra government on Saturday issued new rules, restrictions and guidelines, including increasing the fine for not wearing a mask from Rs 200 to Rs 500.
"Any person found to be without masks shall be fined an amount of Rs 500. Any person found to be spitting in public places will be fined an amount of Rs 1000", informed Maharashtra Government.
The Maharashtra government also announced a complete ban on holding of all types of gatherings, including political and religious.
The state government ordered that restaurants, gardens, and malls will remain shut between 8 pm to 7 am beginning March 27. People will also not be allowed to visit beaches from 8 pm to 7 am. Drama theatres will also remain shut from Saturday night. However, the government has exempted delivery of food in night hours in its new set of guidelines.
"Gatherings of more than five people will not be allowed from 8 pm to 7 am effective from midnight on 27th March. Violation will attract a penalty of Rs 1,000 per person on offenders. All public places including gardens and beaches will remain closed during the same period and violators will be fined Rs 1,000 per person," as per the order.
In an official notification, the Maharashtra government said that holding of social, cultural, political, and religious gatherings in the state is being banned completely. Auditoriums or drama theatres should not allow their property to be used for such events, it said.
Here are the Maharashtra government's new COVID-19 guidelines: