Hours after the Maharashtra government announced a slew of relaxations for the state amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal has now provided additional details. The State government had released a notice outlining a new multi-tiered guidelines in a bid to break the chain of COVID-19 transmission.
Broken down into five levels, the restrictions will depend on the case positivity rate and the percentage of oxygen bed occupancy in the different areas. The order will go into effect from Monday (June 7), but the curbs will be reviewed and updated on a weekly basis as the COVID-19 situation changes. While the numbers have been provided in the state government order, the district and administrative units had been asked to further decide which level of restrictions should be imposed.
While Mumbai's positivity rate was 3.55% and oxygen bed occupancy percentage as of 4th June makes it a borderline Level 2 area, the BMC appears to be erring on the side of caution. Chahal confirmed that Mumbai will now be under Level 3 restrictions - at least until the numbers are reviewed once again.
Going by the new restrictions, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, Thane Municipal Corporation, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation and Kalyan-Dombivali Municipal Corporation are being treated as separate administrative units.
According to the new state guidelines for Level 3 areas:
Essential establishments will operate till 4 pm on all days, while non-essential shops will operate till 4 pm on weekdays.
Malls, theatres, multiplexes and the like will remain closed.
Restaurants will be operating at 50% capacity for dining in till 4 pm on weekdays. After that, parcel, takeaway and home delivery will be allowed.
Local trains will remain restricted for medical personnel and a few essential services as well as women. Further curbs may be added by the DMA.
All private offices can open till 4 pm, and both government and private offices can have 50% attendance.
While public spaces will operate from 5 am to 9 am daily, social and cultural gatherings will take place with 50% capacity and till 4 pm on weekdays.
Timings have been announced for sports, with only outdoor games permitted. This may be undertaken from 5 am to 9 am and from 6 pm to 9 pm.
Marriages can take place with 50 people, while funerals can take place with 20 people and meetings elections and the like can occur with 50% capacity.
