MUMBAI: Denizens of Maharashtra will have to wait a while before they start tasting the freedom of unlock 5.0 guidelines from 15 October announced by the ministry of home affairs (MHA) yesterday.  The MHA gave the go-ahead to organisers of B2B exhibitions, cinema halls, entertainment complexes, schools, and swimming pools to open outside containment zones. Additionally, cultural, religious and  other gatherings of 100 plus persons could also be allowed in certain areas.

Even as the experiential and event sector was celebrating, the Maharashtra government announced its own set of guidelines which put a dampener on everyone’s spirits. According to these, exhibitions, theatres, swimming pools, large gatherings, schools,  are a no-no in the state until 31 October. The lockdown will continue in Maharashtra  until 31 October. However, the Udhav Thackeray led government has allowed tiffin delivery services to travel by local trains, permitted the opening up of hotels, restaurants and bars at 50 per cent of seating capacity.

Mumbai, which probably contributes a large chunk of the movie box office, has a very active B2B exhibition schedule, will not be able get going in full swing. For that, we will have to wait for another day.