Maha night curfew back from Mar 28

Faisal Malik and Naresh Kamath

MUMBAI: On a day Maharashtra recorded 36,902 new Covid infections, its highest one-day spike since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in the state, the state government decided to impose night curfew from March 28, to control the spread. The state is yet to clarify the number of days it will be on as well as the timings of night curfew. Previously, it was imposed between 11pm and 6am.

Night curfew means prohibition on gathering of more than five people at a place late in the day, especially at gatherings, restaurants and bars. The idea is to avoid crowding which majorly contributes to the transmission of the virus. However, there will be no change for essential services or people travelling for work or returning to the city from outstation travel. Last time, it was imposed for 15 days between December 22 and January 5 to prohibit crowding for New Year celebrations. Night curfew is already in force in Pune. There is a total lockdown in places such as Beed and Nanded. The Kalyan-Dombivli civic corporation on Friday announced all shops except those selling essential items, offices, hotel and restaurants will remain closed every Saturday and Sunday. However, parcel facility will be allowed. Only 50% of shops will remain open in vegetables markets.

The state is also likely to cut down the timings for shops and establishments as CM Uddhav Thackeray, at a review meeting, directed to ensure malls are shut between 8pm and 7am. Currently, malls in Mumbai are open till 9.30pm and food courts are allowed to stay open till 11pm. A fresh order for imposition of curbs, which will bring more clarity on the timings, is likely to be issued by the relief and rehabilitation department on Saturday, the officials said.

A swab test in progress at Matunga.