Keeping in view of the increasing number of COVID19 positive cases in the state, the Maharashtra government, led by Uddhav Thackeray, has decided extend the ongoing lockdown till May 31.
The third phase of nationwide lockdown 3.0 enforced by the central government will end on May 17, 2020.
However, in his latest address to the nation on COVID19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that to contain the spread of the virus in the country, the ongoing nationwide lockdown would be extended.
The decision to extend the lockdown in Maharashtra was taken at a meeting in presence of chief minister Uddhav Thackeray.
The meeting was also attended by deputy CM Ajit Pawar, revenue minister Balasaheb Thorat, PWD minister Ashok Chavan, water resources minister Jayant Patil and MSRDC minister Eknath Shinde.
Maharashtra chief secretary Ajoy Mehta and Mumbai Police commissioner Parambir Singh were also present in the meeting.
However, the state government has decided to provide certain relaxations in some parts of the state after May 17.
The report quoted a senior minister as saying: “There was unanimous view that the lockdown needs to be extended after May 17 up to May 31.”
“The special focus will be given on strict implementation of lockdown norms in red zone and containment areas while further relaxations will be given in orange and green zones in the state. The objective is to get the economy rolling,” said the minister.
According to the Union health ministry website, the total COVID19 positive cases in Maharashtra has increased to 25,922 while the virus has claimed the lives of 975.
Maharashtra continues to top the list of COVID19 positive cases registered in the country.
In Maharashtra, Mumbai, Pune and Malegoan are worst-hit regions.