COVID-19: Maharashtra extends relaxations in 25 districts, know important details

Earlier in the day, CM Uddhav Thackeray had said his government will issue orders on Monday allowing shops to remain open till 8 pm in the districts where the COVID-19 positivity rate is low.

Mumbai:The Maharashtra government on Monday (August 2) announced further relaxations of coronavirus curbs in 25 districts showing a low positivity rate of the infection, extending the existing business timings of shops, and allowing shopping malls to operate in these districts. Also, all government, as well as private offices, can operate with full capacity, it said. The relaxations will come into effect from Tuesday morning, said a government order. The state government has not taken any decision on allowing common people to travel by suburban trains in Mumbai. All shops and other establishments which are currently allowed to operate till 4 pm can now remain open till 8 pm and till 3 pm on Saturdays, it said. Non-essential shops will have to remain closed on Sundays, the order said. The Maharashtra government has also allowed shopping malls to open and operate as per the new guidelines. Outlets such as yoga centers, spas, salons and gyms can operate with 50 per cent capacity and without the use of air conditioning, the order said.