Break The Chain: A List Of Maharashtra’s New COVID-19 Restrictions

The steep upward turn taken by the COVID-19 curve in India seems to be treated differently than the first one –– we have more people with masks hanging under their noses, lesser distance between individuals and an overall sense of fearlessness. All this, however, has got the country heading to an extremely grave situation.

Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray announced to the state its new set of regulations, while most expected yet another lockdown.

1. Section 144 is imposed throughout the state. From 7 AM to 8 PM every day from 14 April to 1 May, only Exemption Category (mentioned below) and essential services movement and operations is unrestricted.  
2. Essential services include hospitals, banks, ATMs, grocery stores, veterinary services and e-commerce (of essential goods).
3. Fine of INR 500 for not wearing masks while using public transport services, including trains (for essential services).
4.   Malls and cinema halls will remain closed. All public recreational spaces remain closed.
5.   No religious or political gatherings allowed.
6. Shooting of films/ advertisements/ serials will not be allowed.
7. If a housing society has more than 5 positive COVID cases, it must be treated as a micro containment zone.
8. Marriages allowed with 25 people at most, and funerals with 20. Staff and attendees must produce a COVID negative certificate.
9. Exemptions Category (Major points) are as follows:

• All bars and restaurants to remain shut for in-house dining but home delivery is allowed.
• Private vehicles may ply for emergency purposes or essential services only, otherwise will be fined INR 1000.
• Only government offices, Courts, pharmaceutical companies, RBI regulated entities are allowed to work, but only at 50% capacity.

With the second wave of the virus growing at an exponential rate, we request everyone to follow the COVID-19 guidelines. It’s the simple things –– mask up, sanitize and keep distance.

Source: ‘Break The Chain’ Order (revised) released by the Government of Maharashtra on 14 April, 2021. View the entire document here.

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