Maharashtra extends restaurant, shop timings, allows amusement parks to reopen from Friday

The Maharashtra government on Monday extended the operational timings of restaurants and shops in the state as it eased coronavirus-induced restrictions.

It also allowed amusement parks to reopen from Friday. However, water rides in amusement parks will not be allowed to operate, reported Mint.

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has directed officials to prepare guidelines for extending the timings of shops and restaurants, his office said in a statement. Currently, shops and restaurants are permitted to function between 7 am and 10 pm at 50% of its seating capacity, according to the Hindustan Times.

The decision to ease restrictions was taken after Thackeray held a meeting with the state’s Covid-19 task force on Monday. The chief minister’s office said that restrictions are gradually being lifted as Covid-19 cases are reducing.

The chief minister also directed the state health department to remain in contact with the Centre about inoculating children against the coronavirus and to ensure that vaccines are available for all beneficiaries.

“He also directed the department to make arrangements [for vaccination of children] once a decision is taken about it,” the chief minister’s office tweeted.

Cinema halls and theatres will also reopen from Friday. “Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray today [October 18] said that cinemas in the state should start with proper fire and structural safety checks,” the state government…

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