MUMBAI: Restaurants, bars and retailers here expressed displeasure over a government decision to allow them to operate with a level 3 deadline of 4pm (full closure on weekends), when city has reached level 2 in terms of weekly Covid positivity rate.
In level 2 cities like Thane, Navi Mumbai and Pune, resto bars operate till 11pm even on weekends.
In level 2, malls and theatres can operate with 50% capacity with normal closing hours.
In level 3, malls and theatres cannot operate.
Continuing with opening and closure of establishments as per level 3 is leading to confusion among traders and hotel owners.
The move to determine locking and unlocking on the basis of weekly positivity rate caused unrest among traders, unsure if they will be allowed to operate the next week or call staff frequently, depending on levels.
Now, officials are suggesting a biweekly positivity rate to avoid confusion and ensure smooth management of staff and services at establishments.
“We are disappointed with the decision on restrictions for level 3 after the city moved to level 2.
Restaurants and bars were looking forward to re-opening businesses once the city moves to the next level, but such decisions are destabilizing things, and make a mockery of the system and procedures announced by the administration,” said Shivanand Shetty, president, Association of Hotels and Restaurants, in a letter to civic chief Iqbal Chahal.