Staying at Level 3 means bad news for us, say Mumbai traders

Non-essential activities will be allowed only till 4 pm and remain shut on weekends. Pic/Suresh Karkera

With the state government allowing local bodies to impose stricter curbs to guard against the more infectious Delta Plus variant of the novel Coronavirus, the BMC has decided to keep the city at Level 3 without adding more restrictions next week. The move effectively dashes all hopes of shop and restaurant owners who have been demanding more time for business.

As per current norms, public movement will be minimised after 4 pm. File/Satej Shinde

"It is bad news. The Maharashtra government has taken the call on the basis of the new Delta virus and third wave indication from the Central government. Businesses will hamper very badly and this will give an advantage to e-commerce," said Viren Shah, president of Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association.

After the state announced levels of restrictions based on weekly positivity rate and availability of oxygen beds on June 4, the city was on Level 3 in the first week. Amid concerns over a third wave and the fast-spreading Delta Plus, the government said in its latest order on Friday that all cities and districts irrespective of their weekly positivity rates and oxygen bed occupancy will remain at Level 3 or above.

Sources said the BMC won't be going for stricter measures than the ones imposed on the city at the moment. Based on RT-PCR tests, Mumbai's test positivity rate over the last two weeks has been 3.5 per cent.

"The city will remain at Level 3 without any changes in restrictions," said Iqbal Singh Chahal, BMC commissioner.

As per Level 3 curbs, public movement after 5 pm will be minimised. All non-essential activities will be allowed only till 4 pm and remain shut on Saturday and Sunday. Public places and grounds will remain open from 5 am to 9 am every day.

Outdoor sports activities will be allowed from 5 am to 9 am and 6 pm to 9 pm. Gyms, salons and beauty and wellness centres can operate at 50 per capacity till 4 pm without AC but only with appointments.

3.5%
City's TPR over past 2 weeks based on RT-PCR tests