COVID-19 in Maharashtra: Malls, gyms to open with 50% capacity in Pune from June 14

In a huge relief to Pune residents, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who is also the city's guardian minister has allowed more relaxations in COVID-induced curbs from June 14. The relief was given after Pune's positivity rate dipped below 5 per cent.

Pune was earlier classified in the level 3 category. As the COVID-19 positivity rate went below 5 per cent, the city has now been reclassified in the level 2 category.

"Since the positivity rate of Pune city has gone below 5 per cent, the administration has decided to give more relaxation to the city," said Pawar, who is also the guardian minister of Pune district.

COVID-19 curb relaxations in Pune under the level 2 category: -

• Inter-district travel allowed

• Pune residents will not need an e-pass for regular movement from June 14 (Monday)

• An e-pass will only be needed when your travel itinerary includes a stopover at a district classified in the level 5 category

• Essential shops can remain open from 7 am to 4 pm on all days

• Non-essential shops can remain open between 7 am to 4 pm on weekdays

• Private offices can operate at 50 per cent capacity till 4 pm

• Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) will resume services at 50 per cent capacity

• Parks, open gardens, public spaces for exercise may remain open from 5 am to 9 pm every day

• Running/jogging, cycling and all outdoor sports are permitted from 5 am to 9 pm

• Hotels, restaurants, and eateries can remain open till 10 pm and operate at 50 per cent seating capacity

• Malls can operate at 50 per capacity provided they follow social distancing norms

• Gyms, saloons, beauty parlours, and wellness centres can remain open without air conditioning and only for appointments at 50 per cent capacity till 4 pm on weekdays

Pune mayor Murlidhar Mohol said the positivity rate in civic limits of Pune has been 4.95 per cent for a week.

Mohol, however, stated that suburbs like Pimpri Chinchwad and Pune rural will continue to have restrictions as the positivity rate in these areas is above 5 and 10 per cent respectively.

The Pune Mayor said Pimpri Chinchwad and Pune rural are classified under level 3 and level 4 respectively, adding that relaxations could be considered if the COVID-19 situation improves in these areas.

Pawar further stated that 100 warkaris (devotees of Lord Vitthal) each from Dehu and Alandi towns in Pune will be allowed to partake in the annual pilgrimage to Pandharpur in Maharashtra's Solapur district.

For the remaining eight revered 'palkhi' processions, which originate from different towns, permission has been granted for 50 warkaris. "This year also, no permission has been given for the journey on foot. Instead, each palki will be given two buses and in the bus, padukas will be taken to Pandharpur," Pawar mentioned.

Edited by Mehak Agarwal; with PTI inputs

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