Maharashtra rolls out new COVID-19 norms, private offices to function at 50% capacity

• Follow

The rise in new COVID-19 cases in Maharasthra and in financial capital continues amid concern over its spread. Maharashtra on March 18 witnessed 25,833 new coronavirus infections, the highest single-day spike since last March when the first case was detected in the state. While Mumbai recorded its highest-ever single-day spike of 2,877 new coronavirus cases which took the tally of cases in the city to 3,52,835.

Seeing the rise in COVID-19 cases the state government has issued a fresh set of guidelines on March 19 to be followed till March 31, 2021. According to a notification, all private offices, except those related to health and essential services, have been ordered to operate at 50% capacity. In the case of government and semi-government offices, the head of the office shall take a decision regarding staff attendance. While the manufacturing sector can perform with full capacity with certain restrictions.

The Maharashtra government has also ordered that all drama theatres and auditoriums in the state operate at 50% capacity and entry won’t be allowed without masks. Drama halls and auditoriums won’t be allowed to host religious, political, social, or cultural gatherings. If found violating the norms, the premise will be shut down.

With the increase in COVID-19 cases since the start of the month, the patient recovery rate in Mumbai has gone down to 91% from 93%. The active cases stand at 18,428. Dharavi, which was once the COVID-19 hotspots, has also seen a surge in cases. The situation is worsening in both Thane and Kalyan Dombivli.

Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar has said that imposing a night curfew in the city is necessary right now. Pednekar also said that Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials are also planning to shift the crowded markets to new sites.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on March 19 urged everyone to take the vaccine shots and reiterated their safety. “No one should have any doubts about Covid-19 vaccines. I urge all to take the vaccine shots,” Vardhan said in Lok Sabha.

Meanwhile, India reported 39,726 in the last 24 hours ending 8 am Friday, taking the country’s total to over 1.15 crore. Out of this, over 2.71 lakh are active while over 1.10 crore people have recovered. With 154 news deaths, the death toll is now at over 1.59 lakh. Over 3.39 crore people have been vaccinated till now. Delhi, Punjab, Gujarat, and Kerala also recorded a higher number of cases.