State imposes new curbs on movement
from sites of work that are open for 24 hours, like call centres.
State health minister Rajesh Tope said that the government looked at people’s livelihood, especially daily wage labourers while introducing the restrictions. “We aim to control the movement of people as much as possible. We want the businesses of people to continue, especially the daily wage earners. We have taken a middle path [in restrictions]. The government’s focus is on reducing crowding,” he said.
“I reiterate that we want to curtail unnecessary crowding but not impose any lockdown. The fact is that no restrictions will be effective unless we all adhere to COVID protocols. I request you to be vigilant about the symptoms and seek medical advice at the earliest,” chief minister Uddhav Thackeray tweeted from his official handle.
The order signed by chief secretary Debashish Chakrabarty shuts down gymnasiums, spas, wellness centres and beauty salons — which had been permitted to open up on August 12, 2021, at reduced capacity. Swimming pools, which are yet to open up in the state, were to continue to remain shut. Entertainment parks, zoos, museums and forts as well as other local tourist spots will be shut down till further notice.
Restaurants and eateries will be allowed 50% capacity, and operate from 8 am to 10 pm. Home deliveries will be permitted on all days and even beyond 10 pm. Cinema halls, theatres, and auditoriums will continue to operate at 50% capacity but must shut at 10 pm, the order stated. The order directed management of these places to set up rapid antigen test booths and allow entry to only fully vaccinated people. Hair cutting saloons will continue to operate at 50% capacity and strict adherence to Covid appropriate behaviour was expected.
Iqbal Singh Chahal, Mumbai municipal commissioner on Saturday said no fresh guidelines will be issued by the municipal corporation.
“These are primary measures to contain the spread of the virus. Though the daily numbers are high, it is not an alarming situation. We can dial up the restrictions in a gradual manner as we progress in this current wave,” a senior official said.