Maharashtra COVID-19 Lockdown: Check out all updates about the lockdown restrictions

Maharashtra is one the worst affected state hit by the pandemic. State government has even announced a 15 day lockdown to curb the spread of the disease.

The Thackeray government has imposed a number of restrictions following the second wave of corona in the state. The restriction in the state will be there till May 1.

The government has imposed Section 144 across the state during which only essential services will be allowed to operate. But even with guidelines in place many citizens are still confused about the restrictions. The Thackeray government has answered some of the questions that might probably clear citizens doubt. 

House helps, drivers, cooks are allowed to travel and work ?

Each city has different infection rates, so the local administration should take right decision on their level in this regard.

Movers and packers allowed to move household goods?

The local administration will allow this in a very exceptional circumstances or case. But in general, the answer is no.

Is it possible to travel by private vehicle in Maharashtra?

The Break the Chain order clearly states that one should not travel for with out any valid or necessary reason. You can travel from one place / station to another using public transport.

Wine shops and cigarette shops will be open?

No. Only essential shops will remain open.

Can people go for walks, run and cycle in the morning? 
No.

Will construction materials like cement, ready mix, steel will be available in market?
Construction materials can be brought in if the concerned construction site is allowed to continue activity as mentioned in the order. Materials can be ordered online or by telephone. However, no construction material shop can be kept open.

Will courier service continue?
Courier service can continue only for necessary reasons

What about NGOs working to help animals as well as people?
They will not be able to continue working without the approval of the local administration.

Can textile and clothing industry continue?
No.

Will there be MBBS exam on 19th April?
The Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) has postponed the examinations of medical students in wake of the increasing COVID-19 cases in the state. The medical examination was earlier scheduled to begin on April 19.

What exactly is essential e-commerce?

All types of goods and services that fall into the essential group e.g. Groceries, medicines, food items etc. can be delivered through e-commerce.

Can plumbers, carpenters, air conditioners, refrigerator technicians, pest control and other home appliance repair worker can provide services?

If it is not possible to avoid it, people who provide water and electricity services will be allowed. Similarly pest control, house cleaning, equipment repair work will be allowed only there is emrgency situation. Citizens should think of protecting the health of their family members as well as the person providing the service. 
Therefore, this concession should be used only if it is reqquired, otherwise we ban these concession as well.

Will dentist clinics continue?
Yes

Will stationery, bookstores continue?
No.

Will travel companies and services continue? What about travel, passport, visa services?

Travel agencies will not be able to operate the shop but will be able to work throught the internet / online. As far as visa/ passport assistance is concerned, we have allowed single window systems - like that of CSC-SPV in villages, Setu in collector offices. Visa/ Passport services, that are being run by government office's authorised agencies - to be considered a part of Government offices and thus these can operate on working days.

Ancillary industries supplying to essential manufacturers/services allowed to operate?

Principle has been enunciated as essential for essential is essential'. However, if there is any confusion, the decision of the industry department will be final.

Workers staying at walkable distance or same locality near factory allowed to work or workers from other municipalities or panchayats of Maharashtra can report to work. 

The order, issued on April 13, allows factories to produce essential goods,the workforce can travel. In case of other Industries, only those who provide accommodation to their labour either inside the campus of the facility or at an isolated facility from where travel to and fro to the facility happens in a isolated bubble can function. 

Importers and exporters are allowed but can those who manufacture goods & offer services to exporters allowed to operate as well?
No. Only essential items are expected to be imported. Other imported goods have to be stockpiled. In case of export, goods already prepared can be exported. When it comes to the production of exporting goods, production can be done only within the limits of the export supply order. The industry department will guide if there is any difficulty 

Will manufacturing industries have to get back permits or will the previous permits be valid ? 
For continuing operations, the industry/ manufacturing unit has to fall under the ambit of the Government Order dated 13" April. 2021. 

Delivery of essential goods to stores is Rapid antigen test still required?
No

Delivery of essential items like food be done post 8pm -either by restaurants themselves or through e-commerce sites? 
There is no restriction for essential services and home delivery timings as per order dated 13/4/2021. operation timings have been is decided by local authorities. Home delivery is correspondingly within these times. Thus if regular operations timings are beyond 8 PM, home delivery is permitted beyond 8 PM. Local authorities may, if so desired can also change operations timings.

Can street food vendors continue?

Only parcels are allowed between 7 AM to 8PM.

For very large housing society should we have whole of society under micro-containment zone? 

If more than 5 persons are found to be infected in the area of ​​the society, the area will have to be declared as micro containment. If the housing organization is too large, the local administration can plan for partial segregation of patients. The main purpose behind declaring containment is to control the entry and exit of the area and to isolate the area so as not to spread the infection elsewhere. SOP for containment should be strictly followed

About what issues can local authorities may take out further orders?

Order dated 13th April 2021 speaks about certain areas where local authorities have been specifically asked to take out orders. The local administration will have the power to close down some of the places where the infection spreads if they feel the need. Local administrations will set times for restaurants and bars.If it is required or desired for the purposes of containment of Covid-19, these hours may be revised by the local authorities. There may even be need to extend these hours for the convenience of citizens. But before issuing any such order, the approval of the state government will be required.

Whether working of petroleum supplies locations/ aviation stations/ LPG bottling plants in all three shifts covered under essential services?
Yes

Manufactures of Pharmaceutical machineries and equipment allowed to work?
Yes 

Will essential services be allowed only between 7am to 8pm?
Yes

Will general public be allowed to use local trains? What constitutes valid reasons?

Yes if they have valid reason to travel

Can private vehicles ply during the day time to work/ office? 

If their offices/ works are allowed to operate in the order (essential as per section (2) or exemption as per section (5), they can go by private cars and it constitutes a valid reason.

What about long distance trains?
These are essential services and will be on.