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.
As the city reopens in phases under the guidelines of the State Government, it has been observed that many are violating the norms.
We appeal Mumbaikars to act responsibly & follow these guidelines at all times so that we can defeat COVID-19.#UnlockResponsibly pic.twitter.com/cj1aEr7nT1
— Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) June 28, 2020
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.
#CoronavirusUpdates
28-June, 6:00pm#NaToCorona pic.twitter.com/Xy2LfmqXkO— माझी Mumbai, आपली BMC (@mybmc) June 28, 2020
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).
Who am I going to infect from a closed air conditioned car? Which government notification mentioned two KM radius? Such arbitrary rules will only serve to increase citizens harassment.
— Rahul Gore (@rahulgore) June 28, 2020
It sounds like ‘Mission Reverse’. CM says there is no place for ‘lockdown’, then #Mumbai police asks people to stay within 2 km radius. #Thane police says complete lockdown for 10 days. Similar in NM. Where Is Mission Begin Again when there are more restrictions? https://t.co/RiNlt6cZYi
— Pratik Mukane | प्रतिक मुकणे (@pratikmukane) June 29, 2020
Mumbai Traffic Update: Heavy Congestion Seen in Dahisar, Kandivali, Sion & Other Parts as Mumbai Police Begin Checking For People Moving Beyond 2-km Radius From Their Homes.
Mumbai, June 29: Traffic has been reported from several part ..https://t.co/kkRO87HAVP#Mumbaitraffic pic.twitter.com/GsXTKI1u9L
— عاقب اسنوی (@Aquibasnavi) June 29, 2020
Sorry to break it to you, CP, but until such time the competent authority issues an order to the effect of your tweet under ED Act 1897 and DM Act 2005, you have no authority to impound vehicles. Try doing something like this to my car, and I will make you pay in Bom HC.
— Darshil Mashru (@DarshilKMashru) June 28, 2020
Sir, such arbitrary and ill-thought rules will only lead to citizen harassment. Businesses of shops, salons etc that have opened in desperation will further be affected. I urge you to reconsider this.
— Raunak Kapoor (@RaunakRK) June 28, 2020
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.
Easing of Restrictions and Phase-wise opening of Lockdown. (1/3)#MissionBeginAgain pic.twitter.com/AQ4uW1Q9mT
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) June 29, 2020
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.
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