Considering the rising coronavirus cases in the state, the authorities in Maharashtra came up with new controlling measures in various places like Nashik, Nagpur etc. One of them is a ticket issuing system.

As per the system, people have to buy a ticket to spend time in markets. The price of the ticket is ₹5 per hour. People need to buy the ticket and finish their shopping within an hour. If their shopping does not finish within an hour or they spend more than an hour in the market, they have to pay a penalty of ₹500.

This new measure was introduced to discourage people from spending more time in crowded places.

Despite various restrictions imposed by the Maharashtra government, the COVID-19 cases continue to surge across the state.

Hence, authorities came up with this solution to control the crowd in the markets and thereby the spread of COVID-19 cases.

The authorities decided to apply this measure on an experimental basis in crowded markets like Shalimar, Dhumal Point, Shivaji Road, Badshahi Corner, Main Road, Tilak Road, Main Market Committee, and City Center Mall.

The authorities of the Municipal Corporation and Police jointly initiated the process to control the crowd.

Also, Health Minister Rajesh Tope said that the government is mulling to close cinema halls and restaurants in the state. He urged people to follow the COVID-19 norms like wearing a facemask, maintaining social distance etc. The government also wants to release a new set of standard operating procedures (SOPs) by April 1.

The new SOPs may have more restrictions and rules to control the movement of people in public and crowded places. They also may contain fines and penalties.

Some sources state that the government asked the officials to prepare a roadmap for the second statewide lockdown. However, other reports claim that there is no such plan for a complete lockdown as of now.

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