Maharashtra lockdown-like restrictions to continue, relaxation only in phase manner, says CM

Section: India 

Tags: Maharashtra Covid-19 

Mumbai: Even after coronavirus cases have started to decline, the Maharashtra government will continue its lockdown-like restrictions after June 1, 2021, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said on Thursday while mentioning that the relaxation will be in a phased manner. 

According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the chief minister issued necessary directives in this regard to the state administration during a cabinet meeting.  

The lockdown-like restrictions have been imposed since April 14, 2021 and had been extended almost every week/fortnight. The latest deadline was set till June 1. 

Thackeray, in a statement, said, precautions are needed at the moment even though case positivity rate (percentage of people who test positive from among those tested) in the state was reducing. 

“In 10 to 15 districts, the positivity rate is still very high. Besides, there is the threat of black fungus infection (found in recovering/recovered coronavirus patients). Today the daily case count has reduced and reached the numbers recorded in September last year. We still need to take precautions,” The chief minister said. 

The lockdown-like curbs will not be lifted altogether after June 1, he said. “The curbs will be extended and relaxed after some time in a phased manner.” The issue was discussed in detail in the cabinet meeting, the statement said. 

Earlier it was reported that the state government would ease the restrictions from June 1 or June 7 and the unlocking process would begin especially in the districts with low caseloads. The state has categorised 18 districts to be given more attention amid high infection rate, the state health minister has said while speaking to media. 

Maharashtra on Thursday reported over 23000 cases and around 450 deaths due to coronavirus, while Mumbai reported over 1200 cases in the last 24-hour. Moreover, the state has also been battling the black fungus crisis, which is generally seen in Covid-19 patients and is more fatal.