Delta+ Effect: Maharashtra Cancels Complete Unlock, All Districts At Level 3

MUMBAI: In wake of the emerging Delta Plus variant, a highly contagious mutated strain of the deadly Covid-19 virus, the Maharashtra government on Friday declared a ‘state-level trigger’ to impose restrictions in administrative units, irrespective of the weekly positivity rate and oxygen bed occupancy.

20 cases have been detected in Maharashtra alone and the total national tally stood at 48.

As per the new guidelines issued via a government notification, which also demands for 70 per cent vaccination of the eligible population across Maharashtra, the state said that weekly positivity rates regarding levels of restrictions will be determined based on RT-PCR tests, and not rapid antigen or other tests.

Describing the Delta Plus as a ‘variant of concern’, the Maharashtra government said that ‘restrictions in administrative units will remain at a level not below 3’.

The state notification replaces the five-level unlock plan that was announced by the Maharashtra government earlier in June.

The new order comes after some people in the state were detected with the highly infectious variant. Delta Plus cases have been detected in the districts of Ratnagiri, Jalgaon and some others in the state, calling for stricter restrictions, the notification said.

A ‘state-level trigger’ means that Level 3 restrictions will continue in administrative units till the respective District Disaster Management Authority decides to withdraw them, the notification further said.

“Essential shops and establishments can remain open till 4 pm on all days in areas falling under Level 3 of the five-step unlock plan. Non-essential shops and establishments can remain open till 4 pm on weekdays.

Restaurants will be allowed dine-in facility with 50 per cent capacity till 4 pm on weekdays and takeaways and home deliveries after that,” the notification read, according to news agency PTI.