Maharashtra govt to lift all COVID-19 restrictions from April, makes masks optional

The state government is all set to relax the majority of COVID-19 curbs from April 1

March 31, 2022

Maharashtra govt all set to relax the majority of COVID-19 curbs

The Maharashtra government on Thursday decided to lift all COVID-19 restrictions, two years after the Coronavirus pandemic curbs were clamped, officials said here. Amid a steep decline in COVID-19 cases and revocation of the provisions of the Disaster Management Act by the Centre, the state government is all set to relax the majority of COVID-19 curbs from April 1.

Requirements for vaccination and social distancing will be done away with.
A decision to the effect was taken unanimously at the Cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray this afternoon in view of the huge decline in Covid-19 cases.

Health Minister Rajesh Tope said, “From Gudhi Padwa (Marathi New Year which falls on April 2 this time), all COVID-19 related restrictions under the Epidemic Diseases Act and Disaster Management Act will be withdrawn.”

Accordingly, from April 1, there will be no restrictions on public movement, social, religious, or political gatherings, weddings, funerals, visits to malls, cinemas, shopping plazas, travelling by trains, buses, among others.

However, the government has recommended physical distancing and voluntary wearing of face masks as a precaution, though there will be no penalties for defaulters. Wearing of face mask will be voluntary from April 2, he said

Housing Minister Dr. Jitendra Awhad said that with the state becoming free of restrictions, people can celebrate Gudi Padva and Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti with processions and the upcoming holy month of fasting Ramzan in full swing.

Earlier on March 2, the state had relaxed the majority of restrictions in 14 districts across Maharashtra from March 4. The relaxations were based on vaccination, positivity rate as well as bed occupancy.

[With Inputs from IANS]

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