Mumbai: With COVID-19 cases on rise, BJP MLA wants Juhu beach shut on weekends

This picture has been used for representational purpose

Amid the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Mumbai, BJP MLA Ameet Satam urged the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to keep the iconic Juhu beach off-limits for visitors on weekends.

According to a report in Times of India, Satam wrote a letter to municipal commissioner Iqbal Chahal, saying the beach should be shut for visitors from Friday to Sunday evening.

Over the last one month, COVID-19 cases have seen a sharp rise with Mumbai, recording over 1,500 cases in the last seven days. Officials from the civic body said that public open spaces have been witnessing huge crowds over weekends.

"Social distancing norms are not being followed at these places. No religious or political gatherings are allowed, but there are more crowds than formal gatherings. We will wait for instructions from senior officials to close the entry of visitors at Juhu beach." an official said.

With COVID-19 cases on the rise, the Maharashtra government recently issued a notification under the Disaster Management Act which introduced stricter norms for hotels, cinema halls, and offices.

As per the order, shopping malls, restaurants and multiplexes have to ensure that no patrons are allowed to enter without wearing masks. Restaurants and cinema halls will operate with 50 per cent seating capacity, the order stated.

The government has reiterated guidelines for weddings and funerals after they were flouted by people. Maximum 50 people can attend weddings and 20 can go to a funeral.

(With inputs from PTI)