Amid the surge in the infections and fatalities, the Maharashtra government on Tuesday tightened the pandemic restrictions further, by mandating the shops and outlets vending groceries, vegetables, fruits, other kinds of food and essential commodities to remain open for only 5 hours daily instead of the earlier 13 hours for the next 10 days in order to break the chain of the Covid-19 in the state.

Amending its “break the chain” order issued on April 13 in which it had allowed the shops and outlets vending essential commodities to remain open from 7 am to 8 pm, the Maharashtra government – in its latest order – said all groceries, vegetable stalls, fruit vendors, dairies, bakeries, confectioneries, all types of shops vending food items chicken, mutton, poultry, fish and eggs, can remain open only between 7am and 11am daily.

The order will also cover shops related to agriculture implements and farm produce, pet food shops, shops related to materials for impending rainy season for individuals and organisations.

‘Home delivery from these shops however may be allowed between 7 am to 8 pm. These timings may be changed by the local authorities,” Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte stated in his order.

The State government has empowered the local authorities to include any additional entities/services with the consent of the State Disaster Management Authority.

An official said that this effectively means that people will not be allowed outside for these activities for 19 hours daily, though they will be permitted to go out anytime for medical emergencies as in the past.