Begin Again: Citizens see red over Mumbai Police’s 2km travel radius restriction

Whoever violates the order will have vehicles impounded the police has said

mumbai

Amid growing Covid-19 cases in the city, the Mumbai Police has advised citizens to not venture beyond 2-kms in the city except for essential purposes, and said action will be taken against those who travel 2 kilometres from their residence without reason. It has also asked people stepping out to carry their identity proof which mentions their address and medical documents in case he / she is stepping out for medical emergencies.

 

 

It has said that movement beyond 2 kms is permitted only for those attending office or medical emergencies.

In Maharashtra which has 1,64,626 cases currently, Mumbai is the worst hit with over 75,000 total cases and 28,006 active cases. Maharashtra recorded its highest single-day spike on 5,493 cases on Sunday. On Sunday, the city admitted 728 new suspect patients and the current number of positive patients on Sunday stood at 1,300.

 

 

With the Unlock 1 currently in place, the city is following staggered relaxations to ease the pressure on the economic scenario. However, with the 2 km restriction announcement, the police have put citizens in a quandary and not many are enthused by the idea. The arbitrary decision that took citizens by surprise faced a lot of opposition by citizens who especially raised voices for freelancers and business owners who had to travel for work.

What was further infuriating for residents that the police said all those found to be violating the rules, would have their vehicles seized and they will face jail of upto 6 months and a fine of Rs. 1,000 (under Section 188 of IPC. The person might also face a fine of up to Rs 500 (under Section 179 of Motor Vehicles Act).

 

 

Meanwhile, CM Uddhav Thackeray has issued a statement that the lockdown in the entire state of Maharashtra has been extended till the midnight of July 31, 2020. However, under the phase-wise opening of the city under Mission Begin Again, the CM said that restrictions on the non-essential activities and movement of people will be re-imposed in COVID-19 hotspots.

 

 

The statement also said that all essential shops, e-commerce activity for essential and non-essential items, all industrial units which are presently operational and home delivery of food will be allowed.

“It is further directed that the movement of persons for the purposes of non-essential activities like shopping and the outdoor exercises, shall be restricted within the neighbourhood area limits with all necessary prescribed mandatory precautions of wearing masks, social distancing and personal hygiene,” the statement read. “It is also directed that unrestricted movement will be permitted only for attending place of work and bonafide humanitarian requirement including medical reason,” the statement added.

Regarding offices it said, all government offices with certain exceptions like emergency, health & medical, treasuries, disaster management, police to function with 15% strength or 15 persons whichever is higher. All private offices can operate up to 10% strength or 10 people whichever is more.

Activities related to self-employed people like plumbers, electricians, pest control, garages, printing and distribution of newspapers (including home delivery), and barber shops have also been allowed in MMR.

While masks and social distancing are compulsory, large gatherings remain to be prohibited and long-distance travel for non-essential purposes is also prohibited.

To get stronger in the fight against the pandemic, the CM has also informed that he has approved ₹16.65 Crore for the purposes of Project PLATINA – the world’s largest convalescent plasma therapy project cum clinical trial from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

Related:

Mumbai police book five for allegedly gathering at mosque during Covid-19 lockdown

Maharashtra to give one time grant of Rs. 4,000 to tribal families

Unlock 1: Centre and States list lockdown exit strategy

 

 

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