Pune Lockdown Update: Prohibitory orders imposed in several tourist spots

The Pune administration has imposed prohibitory orders in several tourist spots in the district in order to curb overcrowding and violation of social-distancing protocols even as the threat of the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic persists.

District collector Rajesh Deshmukh on Friday issued an order to impose Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) at tourist destinations across seven talukas in the Pune district to prevent COVID-19 spread. The talukas include Maval, Mulshi, Haveli, Ambegaon, Junnar, Bhor, and Velhe.

As per Section 144 of CrPC, four or more persons are not allowed to assemble in one area. Vehicular entries are banned near waterfalls. The district administrator has ordered to keep a strict watch on people's movement near waterfalls during the monsoon season.

Meanwhile, the lockdown restrictions in Pune and other districts will continue for now. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said Pune and other districts such as Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli, Solapur, Pune, Raigad, and Ahmednagar will not witness immediate relaxation of coronavirus restrictions as the positivity rate in these areas is still high and has not shown much decline.

Restrictions in Pune

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 a dine-in facility with 50% capacity till 4 pm on weekdays and takeaways and home deliveries after that.

The use of suburban trains will be only for medical staff and personnel engaged in essential services.

Gyms and salons will remain open till 4 pm at 50% capacity.