Maharashtra Asks Districts To Not Ease Curbs Over Delta Plus

The Delta Plus variant has been linked to characteristics like increased transmissibility, stronger binding to receptors of lung cells and potential reduction in monoclonal antibody response

All districts in Maharashtra must impose at least Level 3 restrictions irrespective of indices like weekly positivity rate and hospital beds availability to prevent the spread of the more dangerous Delta Plus Covid variant, the state's Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte has said in an order. "Given that the virus causing Covid is undergoing mutations in various geographies and that these mutations are displaying more transmissibility and potential reductions in monoclonal antibody response, a State Level Trigger mandating all the administrative units, irrespective of values of the indices of weekly positivity rate and oxygen bed occupancy percentage to remain at a level not below 3 is to be in operation till withdrawn by specific order of SDMA," the order reads. Under Level 3 restrictions, restaurants, gyms, salons, spas can be allowed to open till 4 pm with 50 per cent occupancy; private offices can operate with 50 per cent occupancy; marriages with 50 guests and funerals with 20 people are allowed; malls and theatres must remain shut. The Delta Plus variant, a variant of concern in India, has been linked to characteristics like increased transmissibility, stronger binding to receptors of lung cells and potential reduction in monoclonal antibody response. It has been detected in some Maharashtra districts.