Maharashtra govt likely to allow dine-in services at restaurants from 1st week of October

In a big development on Monday,  Hotel & Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) claimed that dine-in services at restaurants and hotels in Maharashtra will resume in first week of October. While Ministry of Home Affairs permitted hotels and restaurants to open from June 8, Maharashtra government persisted with takeaway and home delivery services only. As per HRAWI, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray made this assurance in a meeting.

Various representatives of various restaurant associations including HRAWI, AHAR and NRAI met Maharashtra CM seeking permission to start dine-in services. Reportedly, Thackeray also agreed to consider waiver of excise license fees for 6 months of shutdown. Earlier, an SOP pertaining to social distancing, reducing touch points and safeguarding health of customers and employees has purportedly been submitted to Maharashtra government. 

Read: Maha: COVID-19 Patient Commits Suicide In Sangli

Unlock 4 guidelines

Currently, re are 2,73,646 active COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra while 10,30,015 patients have been discharged and 35,571 fatalities have been reported. On August 31, 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 allowed inter-district movement of persons and goods without need for any permission. Furrmore, it increased attendance strength in government and private offices up to 50% and 30% respectively.

guidelines added that a vigilance officer will be appointed in every office for ensuring rms to avoid spread of COVID-19. However, all educational institutions, cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks, atres, bars, gyms, auditoriums, Metro rail services and places of worship remain closed. 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.

Read: Coronavirus LIVE Updates: India's Recovery Crosses 50 Lakhs; Positivity Drops To 8.44%

Read: NCP's Memon Lumps CM Uddhav Into Curious Take On Shiv Sena MP Raut's Meeting With Fadnavis