Mumbai: Maharashtra Cabinet may extend lockdown like restrictions in the state till May 15, Health Minister Rajesh Tope hinted on Wednesday. The Maharashtra government took a call on extension of lockdown in the state on Wednesday. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday held a key meeting of the state Cabinet via video-conferencing in Mumbai.
On Tuesday, Maharashtra’s fatalities climbed a new peak with deaths crossing the 66,000 mark and case tally shooting past the 44 lakh level, according to the health department. For the second time this week, the state reported 800 plus deaths, up from the previous high of 832 (April 25) to a shocking 895 now, taking up the tally to 66,179. A day after dipping below 50,000, fresh cases again jumped past the 60,000 mark, to 66,358, taking the state total to 44,10,085.
The state death rate remained stable at 1.05 per cent, while the number of active cases depleted from 674,770 to 672,434. On the brighter side, 67,752 fully cured patients returned home, taking the total to 36,69,548 now, and the recovery rate improved from 82.92 per cent on Monday to 83.21 per cent.
“Though Covid cases are dipping in Mumbai and Thane, the same trend is not being seen in rural parts of the state, such as Marathwada and Vidarbha. The lockdown is in force till May 1. In tomorrow’s cabinet, the discussion will take place and the decision will be made on whether to extend lockdown by a week or two,” Vijay Wadettiwar, relief and rehabilitation minister was quoted as saying by Indian Express.
The state reeling under the COVID-19 crisis is already under strict lockdown like restrictions. All establishments except the medical stores and dairies are closed while those delivering essential services such as groceries, vegetable and fruit markets are allowed to remain open from 7 am to 11 am.
WHAT ARE THE CURRENT RESTRICTIONS
No travel, except for essential services.
Vaccination will be allowed. Those allowed to travel will have to quarantine themselves at home for 14 days after they reach their destination.
Local train travel has also been restricted and stricter restrictions have been enforced on inter-district and city travel.
A maximum of 25 guests can attend weddings and the function must be wrapped up in two hours. Those found breaching the rule will have to pay a fine of Rs 50,000.