COVID-19 Lockdown Restrictions Lifted in Maharashtra; Emphasis on Vaccination

In a significant decision, the Maharashtra government on Saturday, 27 November, lifted all lockdown restrictions with conditions, allowing economic, social, cultural, sports, and entertainment activities as before the pandemic days, with major emphasis on full vaccination, after nearly 20 months.

As part of the easing, strict COVID-19 appropriate behaviour will remain mandatory as per the rules, said Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte in a 5-page order.

The government has decreed that only the fully vaccinated persons shall be permitted to travel via all modes of public transport as also for entry to malls, shops, establishments, ticketed or non-tickets events, programmes, shows, public gatherings, where all the organisers shall also be fully vaccinated.

All fliers to Maharashtra from any international destination shall be governed by the Central government rules, but all domestic passengers must be fully vaccinated or carry an RT-PCR test report with 72 hours validity.

As earlier, only 50 percent attendance will continue for theatres, cinemas, marriages, conventions, etc held in closed spaces, and up to 25 percent of the capacity of any open-to-sky venues.

In case the total people attending such events exceeds 1,000, then the organisers must inform the District Disaster Management Authority, which will send its officials to ensure compliance of CAB, and if the same are violated may order closure of part or full venue.

All people must observe COVID-19 norms like wearing face masks, maintain at least 6 feet physical distance, ensure hygiene, sanitise/wash hands frequently, and those found violating the CAB shall be fined Rs 500.

All establishments that do not ensure their guests/visitor implement these norms will be penalised Rs 10,000, or otherwise flouting the same may face closure till the disaster norms are in force. Defaulters in public transport like buses or taxis shall be fined Rs 500 along with the driver, conductor, etc, while the operators will be slapped with Rs 10,000 penalty, or withdrawal of licence till the disaster norms remain in force.