Lockdown likely to extend till May-end in Maharashtra

Mumbai: Restrictions like lockdown, which are currently in place in the state till May 15, are likely to be extended till the end of the month.  Covid-19 cases are declining in many districts, including Mumbai and Pune, but the number of daily cases in the state is not declining, officials said.

The senior cabinet minister said that despite the declining number of Covid-19 cases in many parts of the state, relief was being sought from many parts of the state but the state government was not likely to seek relief at any time.  He said the state government was likely to extend the existing restrictions till the end of this month. Although there was a decrease in cases in 12 districts, it was only one-third of the state. 

The remaining two-thirds are stable or report an increase.  The reopening will lead to another leap,” said the minister, who spoke on condition of anonymity.  Last week, state health minister Rajesh Toppe had said that Maharashtra's positive rate for Covid-19, a key indicator for estimating the spread of viral infections, had not dropped significantly.

The senior official said the restrictions would be relaxed only when the cases were under control.  However, the matter will be discussed at the cabinet meeting on Wednesday and a final decision will be taken.