Amid a massive spurt in second mutant variants of coronavirus cases and deaths in the state, Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope on Wednesday said that the lockdown in Maharashtra will be extended by another 15 days beyond April 30. He said all members of the cabinet, who participated in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, pitched for such extension.
The strict curbs on the movement of people and a host of other activities are in force in the state since April 14 and were to end on April 30. Essential services have been exempted from the curbs.
Addressing before media, Tope said though the COVID-19 situation seems to have stabilized to some extent in the state, all the ministers pitched for extending the ongoing curbs.
Today, the number (of daily cases) is 60,000-plus. There definitely is some stability. We had earlier predicted that (daily) cases may go beyond 70,000. But that has not happened. Now I hope and pray to God that this may be the peak and there will be a decline in the graph daily hereon,'' he said.
The minister said if people observe COVID-appropriate behavior by wearing masks and adhering to social distancing norms, the present situation can be brought under control. But one thing is sure, all the Cabinet members said in unison that the lockdown, which will be effective till April 30, be extended. Now, it definitely will be extended by 15 days, Tope said.
Prohibitory orders, banning the assembly of five or more people at one place, are in force, while non-essential activities are not being allowed. At present, vegetable shops, grocery stores, and milk shops are allowed to remain open only between 7 am and 11 am, while home delivery of items is permitted till 8 pm.
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