Mumbai Unlock: Restaurants, gyms reopen after 2 months – Economic Times

The unlocking process in Mumbai began today after nearly two months of pandemic induced lockdown. Restaurants, gyms, salons, public grounds and other commercial establishments reopened in the city which falls in level-3 of the Maharashtra government’s five-level ‘unlock plan’.

Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport’s busses were allowed to ferry passengers with 100% seating capacity. However, 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!”

A five-level plan to relax the coronavirus-induced restrictions in Maharashtra based on the weekly positivity rate and the occupancy of oxygen beds was announced by the state government earlier.

Level-3 category unlock is applicable for places with positivity rate between 5 per cent to 10 per cent and where the oxygen bed occupancy is not more than 40 per cent.

Mumbai is at the 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 week.

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

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 can remain open till 4 pm, but only with 50% their capacity, BMC officials said, adding that the facilities of parcel, takeaway and home delivery of food will continue.

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

According to the order, 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% capacity on weekdays till 4 pm. Private and government offices can function with 50% attendance and are allowed to remain open till 4 pm.