Stricter restrictions in Maharashtra to fight surge in COVID-19 cases

MUMBAI: The Government of Maharashtra on the night of April 22, announced stricter restrictions due to witnessing a huge surge in fresh cases of COVID-19. The government also issued Standard Operating Procedures for the newly imposed curbs, which will come into effect from 8 PM today.

The SOPs restrict any and every travel by public or private transport, except for essential services, medical reasons, or vaccination. It has capped the number of guests in a wedding at 25, and the duration of the function will not be allowed beyond 2 hours. Fine of Rs 50,000 has been introduced for families flouting the restrictions on wedding functions.

Under the new guidelines, the government and private offices can only allow 15 per cent of their staff at a time. Additionally, the private offices, which do not provide essential services, will only have to do work from home. The SOPs also state that the government will carry out random screening of passengers using thermal scanners, and those detected with a fever or other symptoms of COVID-19, might be shifted to local corona care centres or hospitals.  

On Wednesday, April 22, Maharashtra recorded 568 deaths due to the coronavirus infection, which has been the highest ever recorded deaths since the beginning of the pandemic last year. Rajesh Tope, Health Minister of Maharashtra had stated that there is no alternative for the state, but to go for a strict lockdown.