In view of the sudden rise in covid-19 cases in the state, the government released an order today stating the operation of all theatres, auditoriums and offices in Maharashtra with 50% occupancy till 31st March.
The decision was made after the state recorded 25,833 new infection cases within the last 24 hours. This figure is the highest reported since the pandemic started.
Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had recently warned the citizens against taking the safety norms lightly. The move pertaining to the capacity in offices and theatres comes day after his media briefing. Not wearing masks or giving a deaf ear to the rules in place for the pandemic situation can lead to the necessity of a lockdown, he said.
ALSO READ; Illegal Covid test centre in Gurugram issues fake report
“I see lockdown as an option going ahead. But I trust people of the state to cooperate (and follow the COVID-19 norms voluntarily) like the last time,” the CM had said.
The order issued today stated, “All private offices except related to health and other essential services to function at 50% capacity…”
Government and semi-government offices are permitted to take a decision regarding their staff attendance. Nevertheless, manufacturing sector offices need to continue functioning with reduced staff.
The government said, “For the purpose of maintaining social distancing on the production floor, manufacturing units may be allowed to increase the working shifts as approved by the local authorities.” Offices and departments will be closed if they are found violating the norms. They will be allowed to reopen post the government’s permission.
ASLO READ: 8 states account for 85% new cases as 2nd Covid wave threatens
Though no details have been disclosed regarding the hotspot locations in the state, experts suspect many virus strains to have enveloped the area that has led to a surge in the coronavirus cases.
Since mutant viruses were found living in the country, India has witnessed a sharp rise in new infections. In the past fortnight, 158 new cases have been registered.
Dharavi, a slum-dominated region in the capital Mumbai, saw a jump in the cases after 6 months, according to the data received from health authorities. The area recorded 30 cases in the last 24 hours. Its highest recorded single-day spike was on 11th September when 33 cases were found.
