MVA extends lockdown with already permitted activities up to March 31
However, it is silent on the imposition of a total lockdown
The Maharashtra government, on Sunday, issued a notification to extend the COVID-19 lockdown guidelines under MissionBeginAgain for surveillance, containment and control up to March 31 on the lines of the central government guidelines. Interestingly, Sanjay Kumar, in his capacity as the chief secretary, has been silent on the imposition of a fresh lockdown. Kumar retired on Sunday and handed over the chief secretary’s charge to Sitaram Kunte.
As per the guidelines, use of face masks and maintaining social distance will be mandatory. The spitting and consumption of liquor, paan and tobacco in public places are prohibited. The activities already allowed and permitted from time to time shall be continued. But there has been a ban on rallies. The government’s decision comes on a day when 8,293 new COVID-19 cases and 62 deaths were reported in the state. Marriage-related gatherings with the number of guests not exceeding 50 and funeral/last rites-related gatherings with the number of persons not exceeding 20 will continue to be allowed. Swimming pools being used for training of sportspersons will be permitted .
The government staff in Group C and Group D categories are allowed to attend office with 100% strength in the entire state. Cinema halls, theatres, multiplexes and drama theatres will be allowed to open with 50% of their seating capacity in areas outside the containment zones only. Moreover, monthly and annual general meetings of the local bodies will be allowed. Yatras/jatras (fairs) will be prohibited till further orders.
The MIDC Police in Andheri (E) arrested a 30-yearold man for the murder charges of his wife early on Saturday. Police said that the accused suspected his wife of having an extra-marital affair and had entered into a heated argument with her on Friday, during which he strangled her to death. Police said that the accused acted in a fit of rage and thought that she was only unconscious af ter the fight. Further investigation is underway.
According to police sources, the accused, identified as Naran Chowdhury, 30, worked at a stationary shop in Mahim. Chowdhury had married Kavita, 28, nine years ago and the couple has a son. Lately, Chowdhury was suspicious of his wife's activities, which allegedly hinted that she was having an extra marital affair. This suspicion led to several fights and the latest of which broke out on Friday morning, in front of their son.