The Maharashtra government had allowed malls to reopen starting August 15, with 50% capacity until 10 pm.
However, after the government (state) updated its guidelines on Tuesday, the malls across the state have decided to shut down their services again, as the updated guidelines mandates malls to operate with all staff being double vaccinated.
Similar to its order on allowing local train services to only those who have been fully vaccinated with a gap of 14 days after the second dose, the state government has directed the same for mall staff too.
Consequently, malls across the state have announced that they would shut down again, only days after being shut for over 270 days, post the state government’s updated guidelines.
Malls to Shut Down Again
After reopening post a period of shutdown of over 270 days, malls across Maharashtra have decided to shut down again, only days after reopening on August 15.
The state government on Tuesday, modified the guidelines mandating malls to operate with only fully vaccinated staff. As most of the staff are only partially mandated, malls have decided to shut down their services again.
The Shopping Centres Association of India (SCAI) stated that given the shortage of vaccinations, it would take at least a month’s time for malls to have a ‘sizeable number’ of staff fully vaccinated.
“In light of the modified guidelines issued by the Government of Maharashtra on 16 August 2021, restraining mall staff from returning to workplace unless they are vaccinated with two doses with a gap 14 days after the second dose, it is unfortunate that malls across the state have decided to close down”, stated SCAI.
Will Govt Relax Rules?
However, there are discussions which lead to the fact that the government might take action to relax the rules and allow malls to function with staff vaccinated with at least one dose.
Mall associations have stated that around 80% of their staff are partially vaccinated and the primary reason for not being fully vaxed was supply constraints, reports PTI.
“We would like to urge the Chief Minister to reconsider the applicability of this clause for mall and retail staff and allow malls and retail to open if staff is vaccinated with one dose,” stated the association.
For the customers too, the state has allowed malls to operate but only those individuals can enter, who are vaccinated with both the doses. Individuals under the age of 18 will have to show their Aadhaar card, PAN card or school and college identity card as proof of age when entering the mall, as the drive for vaccination hasn’t started for this set yet.
We shall keep you updated with any changes/modifications in further guidelines.