Vikrant Shekhawat : Oct 19, 2021, 08:00 AM
Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has extended restaurant and shop timings and also allowed amusement parks to reopen from October 22. However, water rides will not be allowed for visitors at the parks.Shops and restaurants will now be allowed to remain open beyond 10 pm, as per fresh COVID guidelines in the state.The decision was taken after a meeting between Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and the COVID task force.The new relaxation comes amid a drop in the number of COVID infections in the state. Mumbai on Sunday reported zero deaths due to coronavirus for the first time since March 26, 2020.The state today logged 1,715 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours while active cases in the state stand at 28,631, as per the state health bulletin."After meeting between Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Covid task force, it has been decided to extend the timing of the restaurants and shops. It has also been decided to open amusement parks from 22nd October, amusement parks can be operated except water rides," said Maharashtra CMO.The issue of vaccination to children was also discussed in the meeting during which the CM instructed the health department to be in touch with the Central government to keep the stock of the vaccination for children ready.Last week, the state government released a set of guidelines for cinema halls, auditoriums and drama theaters that are allowed open from October 22 at 50 per cent seating capacity.Theatres and movie halls across India have been closed since April this year when the second wave of COVID-19 hit the country.Earlier today, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said that the state government is considering granting more relaxation after Diwali."After Diwali, on the basis of Covid positive cases in the state, CM Uddhav Thackeray along with health department and the task force will take the decision to provide more relaxation in COVID-19 restrictions," he told ANI.