Break the Chain: What you need to know about new Covid-19 lockdown in Maharashtra

Two delivery boys chit-chat on the Western Express Highway in Goregaon East while delivering food parcels during the Covid-19 enforced lockdown in Mumbai. Photo: Anurag Ahire

Keeping in mind the rising number of Covid-19 cases in the state, the Maharashtra government on April 4 introduced new lockdown rules. The new restrictions include a night curfew from April 5, between 8 pm and 7 am, and a blanket lockdown over the weekends from 8 pm on Friday to 7 am on Monday. They have been issued under the new campaign called Break the Chain and will be in effect till April 30.

What are the movement restrictions before 8 pm and after?
According to the latest guidelines, the government has imposed Section 144 in the entire state from 8 pm on April 5. No more than five persons can move together or gather in a public place between 7 am and 8 pm. After 8 pm, no individual will be allowed to move in a public place without a valid reason, or without permission.

Can I travel to board a flight during curfew hours?
All passengers who have to board flights during curfew hours may do so. They have to follow all Covid-19 guidelines and keep their flight boarding passes handy.

What are the restrictions for travel by private transport?
All private vehicles including private buses can ply normally from 7 am to 8 pm while maintaining the Covid-19 guidelines. While all the seats can be occupied, standing passengers will not be allowed. All staff will need to be vaccinated according to GOI criteria and have a valid negative RT-PCR test result certificate valid for 15 days.

Passengers will be able to travel during the curfew hours only in case of emergencies, or for essential services. This will be applicable between 8 pm and 7 am, Monday to Friday, and from 8 pm on Friday to 7 am on Monday.

How many people can travel by public transport?
All transportation will be permitted to passengers based on the seating capacity. All autorickshaws, taxis and private vehicles will travel with 50 per cent capacity during the day, but are not allowed to ply during the curfew hours at night.

Can I travel by Mumbai local trains?
Commuters can travel in the local trains as per the current restrictions by following the Covid-19 guidelines -a full-face cover and social distancing are mandatory.

Will my child be able to travel to appear for their Class 10 and Class 12 exams?
While schools and colleges are closed, the rules have been relaxed for all Class 10 and Class 12 students to the extent of exams. Such students can travel freely from 7 am to 8 pm in public transport at 50 per cent capacity, or by private transport, to appear for their exams. This shall be applicable till April 30.

Disclaimer: The above information is from the latest set of guidelines issued by the Maharashtra Government as of April 5.