COVID-19: Not a full lockdown, but curbs get harsher in Maharashtra

Police bandobast in Borivli amid COVID-19 related restrictions on Wednesday. Pic/Nimesh Dave

While it did not go for a complete lockdown, the state government has made restrictions even harsher starting 8 pm today. In an order issued on Wednesday night, private passenger travel beyond the city and district limits has been barred and controls have been put on long-distance public transport till May 1. Private passenger transport, excluding buses, can only run for emergency or essential services or valid reasons with driver plus 50 per cent seating capacity.

People who kept their shops open beyond 11 am faced action in Borivli East on Wednesday. Pic/Nimesh Dave

Inter-District or inter-city travel is allowed only if required for essential services or in case of medical emergencies or attending unavoidable events like funerals or severe sickness of family. Anyone flouting the order in letter or spirit shall be punishable by a fine of Rs 10,000.

Private buses can run only on 50 per cent seating capacity with no standing travellers. Inter-city or inter-district travel by private buses shall restrict stops to a maximum of two in a city and shall inform local authorities about it and the schedule.

Passengers alighting would be stamped on the hand for 14 days' home quarantine. This stamping must be done by the bus operator. Thermal scanners shall be used and anyone with symptoms shall be moved to COVID care centres or to a hospital. Violation would invite a fine of Rs 10,000.

Local authorities have been given the power to waive off rules regarding mandatory stamping for buses arriving from beyond certain limits.

Public passenger transport

State and central employees, medical personnel, people needing medical treatment and specially-abled people with one attendant have been allowed to use suburban trains, Metro and monorail services. Tickets/passes will be issued to the above categories based on IDs. There are no such restrictions on long-distance trains.

State and civic-run public buses shall ply at 50 per cent capacity with no standing passengers. Inter-city or inter-district travel by long-distance trains and buses would be subject to controls like sharing information of passengers and their destination with respective local authorities. Passengers of these services, too, would be stamped with 14 days' quarantine.

Office attendance

Government offices will operate only with 15 per cent staff for emergency services directly connected to the management of COVID-19 pandemic. In the case of Mantralaya and central government offices in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), the Head of the Department can decide on higher attendance after seeking permission.

All other offices will have to function with 15 per cent of the staff or five people, whichever is more. Essential services may not exceed 50 per cent attendance. Attendance of personnel actually delivering essential services on the ground should also be minimised but can be extended up to 100 per cent as per requirements.

Only 25 for marriages

Marriage ceremonies will have to be a single event in a single hall, may not extend beyond two hours and may have only 25 guests, including family. Offenders may be fined R50,000 and locations that are misused shall be closed till the Disaster Act remains in force.

May 1
Day till when new restrictions will be in force

Rs 50k
Fine for violating rules regarding the conducting of marriages