Easing pandemic-related restrictions, the Maharashtra government announced today that shopping complexes, cinema halls and theatres can run with full 100 percent capacity in 14 out of 36 districts in the state, including Mumbai. These 14 districts are: Mumbai city, Mumbai suburban district, Pune, Bhandara, Sindhudurg, Nagpur, Raigad, Wardha, Ratnagiri, Satara, Sangli, Gondia, Chandrapur and Kolhapur.
A government notification stated that the decision was taken keeping in mind that 90 percent of the eligible population in these districts have taken at least one dose of anti-coronavirus vaccines and over 70 percent people are fully vaccinated. The Covid-19 positivity rate has come under control in these districts with less than 10 percent and occupancy of oxygen-supported or ICU beds is less than 40 per cent.
The notification further reads, “Social, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural, religious, political and festival-linked events including those related to marriages and funerals and other gatherings and congregations are now permitted in these districts with attendance at 50 per cent of the capacity of the venue. But if a gathering is expected to be of more than 1,000 persons, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) will have to be informed and it may impose reasonable restrictions. For other districts, attendance at such events will be capped at 50 per cent of capacity or 200, whichever is less.”
It further reads, “All shopping complexes, cinema halls, restaurants and bars, sports complexes, gyms, spas, swimming pools, religious places, drama theatres (`natyagrihas’), tourist places, entertainment parks etc are allowed to operate with 100 per cent capacity in these (14) districts. For other administrative units (remaining 22 districts of the state) excluded from this list, these shall operate at 50 per cent of the capacity.”
For other administrative units (remaining 22 districts of the state) excluded from this list, these shall operate at 50 per cent of the capacity, the notification added.
(Source: PTI)
