New Delhi: In view of the decline in Covid-19 cases, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray-led government has decided to extend the timing of the restaurants and shops.
The decision came after Chief Minister Thackeray held a meeting with the state task force.
“CM Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray chaired a meeting with the State Task Force today. He advised the Public Health Department to keep in regular touch with GoI regarding updates on the vaccination of children and ensure prompt arrangements once approvals are given to the state,” CMO Maharashtra tweeted.
“Restrictions are being gradually eased as the number of COVID cases is on the decline. Amusement parks, auditoriums, and theaters will be opened from October 22nd. Guidelines for extending the hours of restaurants and shops across the state will be out soon,” CMO Maharashtra said in another tweet.
Meanwhile, CM Uddhav Thackeray has directed officials to prepare guidelines for extending the operational hours for restaurants and shops.
The chief minister also instructed the Public Health Department to coordinate with the Centre on the availability of vaccines for children. He also asked them to prepare a plan for inoculating children once the Centre approves it.
Although the second wave of the pandemic has subsided, the danger of a third wave is still there and it is very important to follow COVID-19 protocols like wearing masks and keeping a safe distance, the CM said, as reported by PTI.
CM Uddhav Thackeray had last month announced that cinema halls and drama theatres can reopen in Maharashtra from October 22 on the condition that they follow all the protocols required to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Earlier in the day,Thackeray said theatres and cinema halls, which will reopen from October 22, should start with proper fire and structural safety checks after meeting the representatives of the Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association.
Earlier on Sunday, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said Chief Minister Thackeray along with the health department and task force will take the decision over more relaxations in Covid-19 restrictions after the festival of Diwali.
“After Diwali, on the basis of Covid positive cases in the state, CM Uddhav Thackeray along with the health department and task force will take the decision to provide more relaxations in Covid-19 restrictions,” he said, ANI reported.
Tope’s remarks came as Mumbai reported zero coronavirus deaths for the first time on Sunday ever since the pandemic struck the nation.
(With Agency Inputs)