Maharashtra to adopt 5-level unlock method from Monday

MUMBAI: Maharashtra has announced a five-level unlock plan which will begin from Monday, June 7, which will be according to the Covid positivity rate and availability of oxygen beds in the state. The Government of Maharashtra directed the five-level lockdown plan to begin the reopening of the state which was under lockdown due to the devastating second wave of COVID-19.

The levels of restrictions will depend on the severity of the COVID-19 infection in the region. According to the official guidelines, the situation will be assessed every Thursday by the Department of Public Health. Level 1 will have the least restrictions which will be in the areas with less than 5 per cent positivity rate and less than 25 per cent oxygen beds occupancy while Level 5 will be the strictest. These areas will be allowed to open all shops, essential and non-essential, malls, theatres, restaurants, gyms, etc.

Level 2 will be applied in the area with less than 5 per cent positivity rate and oxygen beds occupancy will be between 25 to 40 per cent. The restrictions will be as Level 1 areas but with 50 per cent capacity in theatres, gyms, marriages and restaurants. Districts with positivity rate between 5 to 10 per cent and bed occupancy of over 40 per cent will be in level 3. Stores will operate till 4 AM and mall and theatres will be closed. Private offices will be allowed with 50 per cent occupancy.

Level 4 will only allow the essential shops till 4 PM and pickup/home delivery in restaurants. In addition, the marriages will be allowed with 25 people limit and government offices with 25 per cent occupancy will be allowed. Levels 5 at last will follow strict lockdown protocols with only essential shops to operate till 4 PM and home delivery for restaurants.