It's a Weekend Lockdown for now in Maharashtra

After much anticipation of a lockdown in Maharashtra to help curb the rising COVID-19 cases in the state, authorities have decided against one. There will instead be a 59-hour weekend lockdown from now on to April 30, operational from Friday, 8pm to Monday, 7am. 

Maharashtra on Sunday saw over 57,000 fresh cases, the state's biggest single-day spike since the beginning of the pandemic. Mumbai alone accounted for over 11,000 of the caseload while Pune, India's worst-hit district, recorded 10,000 fresh infections. The situation in the state is grim and uncertain as it continues to be the worst-affected even among states of "grave concern". Meanwhile, the total nationwide caseload, too, crossed the long-dreaded 1-lakh mark.

According to Cabinet Minister Aslam Shaikh, night curfews will continue (essential services exempt) alongside daytime prohibitory orders issued under Section 144. Under this, shops, malls, restaurants and bars will allow only takeaways and package collection.

Government offices will operate at 50 percent capacity while private offices are advised to implement work-from-home.

Playgrounds and parks, sports complexes and beaches will also remain shut.

Industries and production, vegetable markets, and religious places (the last most likely shut) will adhere to the in-place SOPs. Construction sites with accommodation for workers will be allowed to function and film and TV shoots will continue on a strict no-crowding basis. 

As far as transportation goes, taxis, rickshaws and personal vehicles will function at 50 percent capacity. Buses will operate only with as many passengers as seats.

There is a Rs 500 fine on not wearing masks.