As cases decline, Maharashtra may begin unlocking process in phase manner from this date

As the coronavirus cases have been declining in the state, the state cabinet, which is scheduled to meet today may extend the lockdown-like restrictions, however, mulling to begin the unlock process in some districts and also may lift some curbs. 

The state government since April 14, 2021, had imposed lockdown-like restrictions, which have been extended till June 1 in a timely interval. Maharashtra recorded 24,752 new cases on Wednesday, taking the infection tally to 56,50,907, while 453 more fatalities pushed the death toll to 91,341. 

The reports suggest, the first phase may see the opening of non-essential shops in a staggered manner. And the unlocking process should start, perhaps, from June 1 or from June 7, 2021. In the first phase of unlocking, all the shops will be allowed to function from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm. 

Similarly, in the phase-wise unlocking process, it is also reported that permission will be given to open a few more shops, on an alternate day basis, related to daily requirements while easing the curbs.  

However, the schools and colleges will continue to remain shut and the Mumbai local trains may resume plying in the last phase of unlocking, as it may possibly become the reason for the surge in cases. 

Maharashtra Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Vijay Wadettiwar earlier had said that the state government was contemplating easing lockdown-like curbs in districts outside the “red zone” after June 1. 

Earlier, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope had said that the Maharashtra government will assess the situation in the last week of May and if the positivity rate falls below 10% and the number of active cases comes down, the state may consider easing some restrictions.