Mumbai unlocks restaurants, gyms reopen after 2 months

Restaurants, gyms, salons, public grounds, and other commercial establishments reopened after nearly two months on Monday in Mumbai, which falls in level-3 of the Maharashtra government's five-level 'unlock plan'.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) appealed to citizens not to let their guard down and follow all precautions to check the spread of COVID-19.

Buses of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST), the city civic body's transport wing, were allowed to ferry passengers with 100 per cent seating capacity, though local trains were restricted for those working in medical and essential services.

The BMC in a tweet said, "Mumbai, a gentle reminder! While we are getting back on track with the phase-wise opening, we can't go off the rails on our common main goal - a COVID-free Mumbai. Let's reopen, but with care. Follow all precautions!"

The Maharashtra government has announced a five-level plan to relax the coronavirus-induced restrictions in the state, based on the weekly positivity rate and the occupancy of oxygen beds.

Easing of curbs under the level-3 category is applicable for places where the positivity rate is five per cent to 10 per cent and the oxygen bed occupancy is more than 40 per cent.

The BMC on Sunday issued detailed guidelines on the easing of restrictions.

Mumbai is at level-3 with a positivity rate of 5.56 per cent and oxygen bed occupancy rate of 32.51 per cent for the May 28-June 3 weeks.

As per the government's order, essential shops in Mumbai will remain open on all seven days in a week till 4 pm, but non-essential shops will function only on weekdays till 4 pm, BMC officials said.

Earlier, both essential and non-essential shops were allowed to remain open till 2 pm.

As per the latest order, malls, multiplexes, and theatres (including for staging dramas) will continue to remain closed.

However, medical and chemist shops will remain open round-the-clock.

Restaurants are also allowed to remain open till 4 pm, but only with 50 per cent of their capacity, BMC officials said, adding that the facilities of the parcel, takeaway, and home delivery of food will continue.

They said the BEST buses are allowed to ferry passengers to 100 per cent of their seating capacity, instead of the earlier 50 per cent, but no standing passengers are allowed.

Public places and grounds and are allowed to reopen from 5 am to 9 am every day and activities like walking, cycling, and outdoor sports allowed during the period, as per the order.

It also said that only 50 people can attend a marriage ceremony, while only 20 people can attend a funeral.

Social and political gatherings will be conducted with 50 per cent capacity on weekdays till 4 pm.

Private and government offices can also function with 50 per cent attendance and are allowed to remain open till 4 pm, the order said.

The lockdown-like restrictions were imposed in the state in April this year in the wake of the second wave of the coronavirus.

While the state will continue to remain under curbs till June 15, relaxations have been announced in districts based on the COVID-19 weekly positivity rate and the occupancy of oxygen beds.