No lockdown, only a few curbs: Thane civic body

A day after announcing a lockdown in hotspots, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) backtracked and claimed there will be no complete restriction on movement and the facilities opened up as per the state government’s Mission Begin Again will continue as before

A day after announcing a lockdown in hotspots, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) backtracked and claimed there will be no complete restriction on movement and the facilities opened up as per the state government’s Mission Begin Again will continue as before. Only a few restrictions will be imposed in these containment areas as per the state government’s guidelines. The corporation is also making a list of micro containment zones based on the guidelines from the state.

(BHUSHAN KOYANDE/HT)

On Monday night, the civic body announced a list of 16 hotspot zones, most of which include high-rises in Majiwada-Manpada ward. Moreover, plush societies from all other wards except Diva and Mumbra are part of the hotspot list. The notice claimed there will be lockdown in these zones till March 31, which led to panic among residents who believed there will be restriction on movement and other curbs.

The TMC though clarified the notice was merely to make people aware about the containment zones in the city and ensure all Covid protocols are followed strictly, said TMC officials. The TMC has appealed to residents to not panic or believe in rumours, as they will continue to get all basic facilities and can step out for essentials as well.

Sandeep Malvi, deputy municipal commissioner, Thane, said, “There is no complete lockdown anywhere in the city, people should not believe such rumours. There will be restrictions only in micro containment zones, apart from that there will not be any lockdown. We are currently preparing a list of areas where there is an increased number of cases; these will include a floor or wing of any building.”

Sharon Abrol, 38, resident of Hiranandani Meadows, said, “We got calls and messages from relatives and friends regarding the lockdown in the city. Our society was also among the hotspot areas listed by the civic body, however, we had no idea if the lockdown meant that we would get our regular supply of groceries and milk. Also, my husband goes to work every alternate day and we had no idea if he could continue to do so. The clarification issued has put us at ease.”

G. Mohiuddin Jeddy, Navi Mumbai

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has ordered curbs in the city to control the spread of the virus. Municipal commissioner Abhijit Bangar on Tuesday ordered all restaurants will now shut at 11pm, while shops will down shutters at 10pm.

Restaurants in Navi Mumbai were earlier allowed to remain open until 1am, while shops till 11pm. Cases in Navi Mumbai that had dropped considerably in the past couple of months have been showing an upward trend with over 100 cases being reported daily.

Bangar said, “I have ordered all canteens, restaurants, café, dining halls among others to operate at 50% capacity only till 11pm. All malls, including shops, will be allowed to remain open till 10pm. We will strictly implement the orders.”