MUMBAI: With Covid cases in the state surging to 1,410 and the Mumbai tally hitting a nearly six-month high of 673 infections on Friday amid the fear of Omicron spread, the Maharashtra government has imposed a ban on the assembly of more than four people (up to 4 allowed) in public places between 9pm and 6am, and issued fresh norms restricting attendance at weddings, social, political and religious functions.
The new rules came into effect Friday midnight.
Meanwhile, BMC has issued an order banning all New Year events. It says "no NY celebration programme, gathering or party would be allowed in any closed or open space in Mumbai". The order will be effective December 25 midnight.
The government's order states that not more than 100 guests will be allowed at weddings held in closed venues. At open air venues, the limit has been set at 250 guests or 25% of capacity, whichever is less. The same rules apply to social, political and religious events.
Functions in closed auditoriums can operate at 50% of capacity if the seats are fixed and at 25% if they are movable. Open air venues will continue at 25% capacity. For sporting events, 25% of a venue's capacity will be allowed.
Theatres, gyms, hotels to operate at 50% capacity
Owing to the surge in Covid-19 cases and the threat of the Omicron variant looming large ahead of the festive season, the Maharashtra government on Friday issued fresh curbs in the state even as the BMC banned all new year events in Mumbai.
The state order has placed restrictions on attendance in weddings, social, political and religious functions. Cinema halls, gyms, spas and restaurants will continue operating at 50% capacity. They have been asked to prominently declare their 100% capacity as per the licence.
“The sudden surge in Covid cases is a cause for concern as a rise was expected from next month. Experts were of the view that steps should be taken to ensure there is no crowding, especially in public areas, during the festive season,” an official said.
The government order also mentions that Christmas festivities will be regulated as per the state home department’s order on Thursday, capping the attendance in churches at 50% of capacity, banning stalls and shops outside churches, and observing social distancing, masking and the use of sanitisers.
In its previous order on November 27, the state had allowed auditoriums, including wedding halls, to operate at 50% capacity and open-air venues at 25% capacity, without specifying the guest limit. As nearly four lakh weddings were expected in the state since November, officials pointed out the need to regulate the crowd.
Officials said other restrictions like requirement of complete vaccination to access public transport and public places will continue to be in force.
District disaster management authorities have been given the power to regulate activities that are not mentioned in the order as per their local situation. However, a public notice should be given before making stricter restrictions applicable.
