Maharashtra CM extends lockdown-like restrictions by 15 more days

Mumbai, May 31: After reviewing the Covid situation in the state, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray extended the lockdown-like curbs in the state for another two weeks. He said that more curbs will be imposed in some districts, however, relaxations will be given to each district depending upon the positivity rate and availability of oxygen beds.

He made the announcement during the live conference “There is nothing worse than having to impose restrictions on our people. Unwillingly we are taking this tough decision to extend the lockdown as there is nothing more important than the safety of citizens,” Thackeray said. He also urged people to not let their guard down.

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The Maharashtra Government on late Sunday evening brought in a few relaxations from Covid restrictions for municipal corporation areas of Thane, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, New Mumbai, Kalyan-Dombivali Vasai-Virar, Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Nashik and districts with lesser Covid cases.

He further informed that the state govt is also planning to resume the vaccination driver for the 18-44 years age group. The vaccination drive for 18+ has been suspended due to the shortage of vaccines in the state.

As per the Maharashtra health department, the state has 2,71,801 active cases. On Sunday, Maharashtra reported 18,600 new COVID-19 cases which is the lowest one-day count since mid-March this year.

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COVID-19 guidelines for Maharashtra:

As per the new guidelines, all essential shops can remain open from 7 am to 2 pm where the positivity rate is less than 10 percent and occupancy of oxygen beds is less than 40 percent.
In the case of all non-essential shops (standalone shops inside shopping centers/ malls), the decision regarding the allowing of the opening of such shops along with the time limit for the functioning of the same may be by respective Disaster Management authorities.
Post 3 PM there shall be restrictions on movement except for medical and other emergencies, or for some deliveries allowed under the order dated 12 May.
All Government offices except those involved directly for corona work in the said districts can function with 25% attendance.