Mumbai: There are indications of malls opening again, guidelines may be issued by this evening

With the decline in corona cases, lockdown restrictions are being relaxed in many states. In this episode, even in the country's economic city Mumbai, restaurants can be allowed to open till 8 pm or 10 pm. At the same time, shopping malls can also be reopened, although food courts may remain closed for some time. The opening of more sectors was discussed in detail in a meeting held late in the evening with the State Covid Task Force, Pediatric Taskforce, and Public Health officials under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. According to sources, the task force has given more concessions for restaurants and malls with some restrictions on time, which are being worked on.

A final decision can be taken on opening malls by this evening

In this regard, an official informed that, at present, many ideas are being taken to open the malls. For example, malls should be opened only when their employees have been fully vaccinated, but the lack of vaccine and the gap of 84 days between doses makes it impractical. Along with this, it is being considered whether only fully vaccinated people should be allowed to come to the malls. However, the final decision in this regard is expected to be taken by this evening.

Religious places will not be opened yet

At the same time, the decision to reopen places of worship was postponed for the time being because there is every possibility of the increasing crowd in temples due to festivals. A senior official said, "There is no way to control the crowd at famous religious places and hence it has been decided that religious places will not be opened for now."

Many more sectors will be unlocked in the coming weeks

According to sources, the state is in the mood to unlock more sectors in the coming weeks. Although this process will be done in phases, it will not happen all at once as opening everything at the same time can accelerate the third wave. Every 15 days some relaxation will be given which will be given considering the positivity rate and vaccination number.