Mumbai: Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra government on Monday issued strict restrictions in the state amid the surge in spread of COVID-19 infection. Against the backdrop of rising cases of the novel virus, the Maharashtra government also declared new guidelines for offices, shopping malls and restaurants.

Also read: No lockdown in Maharashtra but strict restrictions in place; check new rules

The development comes after the state reeling under COVID-19 outbreak clocked more than 15,000 cases on Monday.

Issuing the guidelines, the Maharashtra government in its new notification asked all offices in the state including private and government to operate at 50 per cent capacity. Additonally, the government has asked offices to permit their employees to work from home as long as possible.

CHECK OUT THE NEW SOPs FOR OFFICES

· Offices can function with 50 per cent of attendance till March 31.

· The state government has also hinted offices against violation of the new guidelines while permitting work from home.

· Work from home has become the new normal in the post-COVID era.

· Any office found to be flouting shall be closed for a period until pandemic stays notified as disaster by the central government.

Meanwhile, private offices have been shut in Maharashtra’s Nagpur after the region enforced lockdown to curtail the further spread of the infection.

Moreover, the government also declared new guidelines for the shopping malls in the state.

CHECK OUT THE SOPs FOR SHOPPING MALLS

· Management of the mall has been asked to confirm that theatres and restaurants or any other establishments on the premises follow the new guidelines.

· Nobody should be allowed to enter without masks.

· Temperature measuring device to be used.

· Hand sanitisers are also to be made available at entry and exit points.

· In case of violations, owners will be fined under the Disaster Act and such premises would have to remain close as long as the pandemic stays notified as a disaster by the central government.