Covid-19: In Unlock 4, Maharashtra Govt eases curbs on hotels, inter-district movement

On Monday, Maharashtra government extended lockdown in entire state until September 30 besides easing restrictions as part of Mission Begin Again. In Unlock 4 phase, state government has allowed inter-district movement of persons and goods without need for any permission. It stressed use of face coverings, social distancing, following practice of Work From Home as far as possible and staggering on work hours. Legal action can be taken against persons violating containment measures as per provisions of Section 51 to 60 of Disaster Manment Act and Section 188 of Indian Penal Code. Currently, re are 1,93,889 active COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra while 5,62,401 patients have been discharged and 24,399 fatalities have been reported.

Read: Unlock 4: MHA Tells States/UTs To t Impose Local Lockdown Outside Containment Zones

Permitted activities:

• All essential and n-essential shops 
• Hotels and lodges can continue to operate at 100% capacity
• All Group A and Group B government officers to work at 100% strength in entire state
• staff or than Group A and Group B government officers will attend office with 30% strength or 30 employees, whichever is more, in Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad
• In rest of Maharashtra, n-Group A and Group B government officers will attend office with 50% strength or 50 employees, whichever is more
• Private offices can operate up to 30% strength
• A vigilant officer will be appointed in every office for ensuring rms to avoid spread of COVID-19
• Inter-district movement of persons and goods without need for any permission
• Passenger movement by private bus operators
• Outdoor physical activities with restrictions

Read: Uttar Pradesh Govt Issues 'Unlock 4' Guidelines; Weekend Restrictions To Continue

Prohibited activities:

• Schools, colleges and or educational institutions
• Cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks, atres, bars, gyms, auditoriums
• International air travel except as permitted by MHA
• Metro Rail
• All functions and large congregations
• Dine-in restaurants
• Religious places for devotees

Read: West Bengal Unveils Unlock 4 Guidelines To Allow Metro Service; Garings Remain Barred

MHA unveils Unlock 4 guidelines

While extending lockdown in containment zones across India until September 30, MHA's fresh guidelines eased many restrictions. While metro rail services have been allowed to operate from September 7, garings with a ceiling of 100 persons and open air atres can recommence from September 21. states can call 50% of teaching and n-teaching staff at a time to schools in n-containment zones for online teaching, tele-counselling, and related work.  

Furrmore, students of Class 9 to 12 can visit ir schools for taking guidance from ir teachers with written consent of ir parents or guardian. On or hand, higher educational institutions can reopen for research scholars and post-graduate students of technical and professional courses requiring laboratory/experimental works. Most importantly, MHA clarified that states can longer dilute se guidelines and may impose local lockdown only after prior consultation with Centre. 

Read: Rajasthan Government Issues 'Unlock 4' Guidelines, Inter-state Travel Allowed