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Mumbai Extends COVID-19 Curbs Till December 31; Only Fully Vaccinated Commuters Can Use Public Transport

by Shrestha Purkayastha
Mumbai Extends COVID-19 Curbs Till December 31; Only Fully Vaccinated Commuters Can Use Public Transport

In view of the Omicron scare, the Maharashtra government made institutional quarantine mandatory for travellers from ‘at-risk countries. Maharashtra also made RT-PCR mandatory. Passengers coming from other states must compulsorily carry a negative  RT-PCR test result done within 72 hours of the time of arrival.

The Maharashtra government on November 27 issued fresh restrictions and permissions in the state amid concern over the new Covid-19 variant, Omicron. The state government has made full vaccination mandatory. For boarding any public transport and for being in most public places like malls, shops, events and gatherings. The government has announced that only fully vaccinated citizens can use public transport like taxis, trains, buses and rickshaws in Mumbai. They must get the second jab at least 14 days prior to travel. Violation of this rule would result in ₹500 to ₹10,000 fine.

Only Fully Vaccinated Commuters Can Use The Public Transport

Amid the Omicron scare, the authorities in Mumbai extended coronavirus-related restrictions until December 31. The existing rules in Mumbai ban large gatherings and require people to be fully vaccinated to use public transport. Even employees at shops and commercial establishments are required to be fully vaccinated to run their businesses. Further, passengers arriving in the city should either be fully vaccinated or carry a negative COVID-19 test report.

The State Government Has Made A Provision Of A Fine On The Driver As Well As Penalising The Passenger

The fully vaccinated compulsion was earlier only restricted to train travel and in some public places like malls. To ensure that Covid appropriate behaviour is followed while travelling in public transport. The State Government has also made a provision of a fine on the driver and conductor of a taxi, auto or bus in which a passenger is found to violate Covid protocol, which includes wearing a mask. The passenger too will be penalised.

Picture Credits: thenationalnews.com

Also Read: India-Dubai Travel: Children Below 18 Years No More Require Vaccination Proof To Return

Picture Credits: Hindustan Times

The Government Wants To Remind People That The Pandemic Is Not Over Yet

This is being done to encourage vaccination. And also to ensure that Covid-19 appropriate behaviour is being followed. The Government wants to remind people that the pandemic is not over yet. And they should follow the set of rules. According to a notification that was issued on November 27, the State Government has allowed the re-opening of open to sky spaces up to 25% of the space capacity. This will allow events, cricket matches and political rallies to be conducted in the state.
Events In Enclosed Spaces Will Be Restricted To 50%
Events in enclosed spaces like cinema halls and marriage halls will be restricted to 50% capacity. Meanwhile, in the backdrop of the new variant detected in South Africa, the State Government said that the international travel guidelines will govern the rules here. For domestic travel, full vaccination will be mandatory or else negative RT-PCR will be required 72 hours before boarding.