The Maharashtra government today permitted all shops in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporations to remain open till 8 PM on all weekdays.<br />''<br />''Besides, hotels and restaurants can also remain open till 10 PM.<br />''<br />''The decision in this regard was taken in a review meeting on COVID-19 situation in Pune district by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.<br />''<br />''The state government has also allowed opening of malls in the twin cities but with a rider that only those individuals who have taken two doses of COVID-19 vaccines will be given access into them.<br />''<br />''Mr Pawar said that strict restrictions will be imposed in these cities if the positivity rate crosses 7 per cent.<br />