Here's What Has Changed in Maharashtra Lockdown Plan Amid Delta Plus Concerns

In view of cases of the Delta plus variant of COVID-19 emerging in Maharashtra, the state government on Friday announced ‘state-level trigger’ for imposing restrictions in administrative units irrespective of weekly positivity rate and oxygen bed occupancy percentage.

State-level trigger means that irrespective of the weekly positivity rate and oxygen bed occupancy, level 3 restrictions will continue in administrative units till the district disaster management authority takes a call to withdraw them, according to the notification.

The order amends the five-level unlock plan announced by the Maharashtra government earlier this month. Delta plus cases have been found in Ratnagiri, Jalgaon and some other districts of the state, requiring stricter curbs.

If there is an upward trend in number of coronavirus positive cases, the district disaster management authority will impose higher-level of restrictions, the order said by the government said. Attempts must be made to achieve 70 per cent vaccination of eligible population and focus should on test, track and treat methodology to contain the spread of COVID-19, it said.

The government order said flying squads will enforce COVID-19-appropriate behaviour among people and impose fines for violations.

Here’s what is different now:

• Relaxations provided under levels 1 and 2 have been eliminated, according to the state administration, and those granted under level 3 will now be the base.

• It stated that districts/corporations that were previously classified as level 1 or 2 will now be classified as level 3.

• Malls and theatres are prohibited from opening. Essential shops and establishments can remain open till 4pm on all days in areas falling under level 3 of the five-step unlock plan. Non-essential shops and establishments can remain open till 4pm on weekdays, it said.

• Restaurants will be allowed dine-in facility with 50 per cent capacity till 4pm on weekdays and takeaways and home deliveries after that, the notification said.

• Gyms and salons will remain open till 4 pm at 50 per cent capacity, the government order said.

• Use of suburban trains will be only for medical staff and personnel engaged in essential services, it said.

• Only from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. will public places/open grounds for walking and cycling be open.

• At government offices, 50% capacity will be allowed.

• At weddings, a maximum of 50 people are permitted, and at funerals, a maximum of 20 people are permitted.

• Weekly positivity rate regarding levels of restrictions will be determined on the basis of RT-PCR tests, and not rapid antigen or other tests

• Overcrowding has been prohibited in festivities, gatherings, and congregations.

• The state administration stated that “a two-week lowering trend will be examined for districts to be advanced to the next level of unlocking.”

The Previous 5-level Unlock Plan

Maharashtra had announced a five-step unlock plan earlier. Under the new guidelines, the state’s districts were divided into five levels – based on weekly positivity rate and oxygen bed occupancies.

Delta Plus Concerns

Maharashtra has registered the highest number (20) of patients infected with the Delta plus Covid variant. The state also saw its first death due to the ‘variant of concern’ on Friday.

50 Lakh May be Infected in Maha in Third Wave: Minister

As many as 50 lakh people including five lakh children could be infected in Maharashtra in a possible third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, state Food and Drug Administration Minister Rajendra Shingne said on Friday. Talking to reporters at Buldhana, the minister said a third wave could have eight lakh active cases at its peak.

“About five lakh children may be infected, of which 2.5 lakh may need admission in government hospitals. All these possibilities were discussed during this week’s cabinet meeting chaired by chief minister Uddhav Thackeray,” he said.

The Maharashtra government was taking steps to face a possible third wave by ramping up health infrastructure, ensuring adequate stock of medicines and keeping ready healthcare staff including pediatriacians for deployment, Shingne added.

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