The coronavirus cases in India are still on the rise. At present, India has nearly 6.31 million COVID-19 cases with over 98,675 deaths. Maharashtra is one of the states in the country worst affected by the virus, with around 1.37 million cases and 36,181 deaths. India has been in lockdown since March to combat the spread of the infection. The Centre is now gradually unlocking the nation to help the economy revive. Maharashtra too has extended its lockdown till October 31, with certain relaxations. Also, Mumbai has imposed fines of ₹200 on people for not wearing masks. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has collected more than ₹1 crore from mask violators. Read on to know the details.
Maharashtra Unlock 5: Restaurants To Operate With 50% Capacity, Dabbawalahs To Board Trains
On September 30, the Maharashtra government extended the lockdown in the state till October 30, announcing certain guidelines. The rules that will be in effect in Maharashtra till October end are as follows:
- Restaurants, bars, hotels and food courts can operate from October 5 with 50 percent capacity. The tourism department will issue separate SOPs for the same.
- In Mumbai, the Central Railway will launch eight additional train services from October 1, which also includes two ladies special trains. The authority has taken up this initiative to reduce overcrowding. Four train services will run on CSMT-Kalyan route and four on Thane-Vashi Trans- harbour line. The two ladies special trains will run on CSMT-Kalyan route.
- Dabbawalahs will now be able to board local trains.
- Railways will scale up the frequency of local trains in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region ( MMR). Local trains will commence services in Pune with protocols and procedures adopted in the MMR.
- Industrial and manufacturing units producing non-essential items can operate in MMR.
- Oxygen carrying vehicles can freely move within and out of the state.
- Schools, colleges and other educational institutes will continue to remain shut.
- Swimming pools, cinema halls, entertainment parks, theatres, auditoriums and similar places will continue to remain shut.
- Social, cultural, academic, sports, political and religious events involving large gatherings will remain prohibited.
Meanwhile, the Union home ministry has stated that cinema halls can reopen in the country from October 15. However, states and union territories have been given the flexibility to take their individual decisions.
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Guided Tours To Begin In Mumbai From The First Week Of October
The private tour operators had approached the government for the resumption of tourism in the state. As per reports, guided walking tours can start in Mumbai from the first week of October. The decision has been confirmed by Principal Secretary of Tourism Valsa Nair-Singh. Locals can visit the tourist spots in Mumbai that come outside the containment zones to boost the state’s tourism sector. Government has planned to reopen popular attractions like Colaba and Ballard Estate. The guidelines have also stated that the tourists and guides need to maintain social distancing and wear face masks. They also need to clarify that they did not have any COVID-19 symptoms in the past few weeks.
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₹1 Crore Already Collected In Mumbai For Not Wearing Face Masks, Fine Amount ₹200
Ever since the pandemic hit Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has collected more than ₹1 crore from people not wearing face masks in public. The fine amount on mask violators in Mumbai is ₹200. In the month of September, the authority collected nearly ₹30 lakhs in three days. Pune police had also collected ₹1crore penalty in a month for not wearing masks and spitting in public. Reportedly, assistant commissioner of N Ward covering Ghatkopar, Ajitkumar Ambi, said, “Earlier 10-20 people would be fined in a day or two, which has now risen to 60-70. Our officials visit common areas where people are found violating norms — outside hotels, grocery stores, delivery joints and industrial areas.” Ambi added, “The idea is not to collect fine but to encourage people to follow all safety measures.” BMC is also providing 10 percent incentive to its staff of the total fine collected each day.
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As the country is reopening, the fears of the people spanning around the virus spread are also subsiding. But since the number of cases is on surge, this is the time when we need to be more careful. So stay safe and try to remain indoors. If necessary, step out responsibly. Here’s a video on the coronavirus timeline, depicting how people have become carefree over time after the pandemic: