After Maharashtra recorded more than 25,000 Covid cases on Thursday amid possibly a second wave, the Uddhav Thackeray-led state government on Friday ordered that theatres, auditoriums, and offices take 50 per cent of their capacity. The Maharashtra government-issued fresh measures will be applicable till March 31.

“All private office except related to health and other essential services to function at 50% capacity in line with order NO DMU 2020/CR 92/DM 1 dated 15th March 2021,” the order said.

The fresh measures also said for the government and semi-government offices, the head of the office can take a decision regarding the staff attendance while ensuring all COVID-19 protocols.

The state government has allowed the Manufacturing sector to function at full capacity by ensuring adequate social distancing on the production floor. In case of violation of the protocols, the manufacturing unit will be closed for a period until the COVID-19 pandemic stays notified as a disaster by the central government.

The guidelines also said that people not wearing proper masks will not be allowed to enter the theatre and auditoriums. The concerned establishment has to ensure the presence of enough manpower to enforce the proper wearing of masks.

The order comes after Chief Minister Uddhave Thackeray warned of implementing another strict lockdown if safety guidelines are not followed properly by people.

Maharashtra reported 25,833 cases of coronavirus, which is the highest spike in the state ever since the pandemic hit the country. In Maharashtra, Mumbai and Pune continue to be the two worst-affected regions with the highest number of cases and fatalities. The Mumbai circled added 5,190 new cases, while, Pune Circle ranks added 5,583 new cases taking the total to 577,369 and the death toll at 11,895.

Earlier this week, a central team report had said that Maharashtra is at the beginning of a second COVID-19 wave.