Maharashtra government allows shopping malls to open; theatres to remain shut

The Maharashtra government on Wednesday extended the coronavirus imposed lockdown in the state till August 31. However, it also gave some restrictions in the latest guidelines, permitting shopping malls to reopen from August 5. On the other side, theatres and food plazas will remain shut.

The announcement comes after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) declared Unlock 3.0 guidelines to further reopen the economy during the COVID-19 outbreak. Restrictions on the movement of individuals during night-time were lifted with gyms and yoga institutes permitted to function from August 5. 

Maharashtra government on Wednesday issued directions to increase the lockdown, with amendments, to operationalise Mission Begin Again for phase-wise opening, till 31 August.

The order states, "In Municipal Corporations of Mumbai Metropolitan Area including Greater Mumbai, Pune, Solapur, Aurangabad, Malegaon, Nashik, Dhule, Jalgaon, Akola, Amravati and Nagpur: Malls and market complexes to be operational from 9 am to 7 pm from August 5 but without theatres, food courts and restaurants."

CHECK THE NEW GUIDELINES

• Malls and market complexes will function from 9 am to 7 pm.
• Theatres, restaurants will not operate. However, the kitchens of the restaurants at malls and restaurant will be allowed for parcel services.
• Garages and workshops with prior appointments.
• E-commercefor all essential and non-essential materials.
• Marketareas and shops can run from 9 am to 7 pm.
• Allprivate offices can operate with 10 per cent strength.
• Allindustrial units to continue working.
• Onlineand distance learning activities allowed.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra's COVID-19 total reaches 4,00,651 on Wednesday with addition of 9,211 cases and death toll up by 298 reaching 14,463.