Mumbai...

The share of the cases in state figures of cities like Thane, Navi Mumbai and Kalyan-dombivli rose to 5.78%, 4.39% and 5.12% during the period, from 5.67%, 4.06% and 2.13% respectively. Rest of MMR’S share in the toll of the state rose to 17.48% from 13.63% on June 8. The CFR of Mumbai is still high at 5.76%, against rest of MMR’S 2.49% and Maharashtra’s 4.26%

The state government, on Tuesday, extended the timings of shops and markets by 2 hours across the state. The earlier order issued on June 29 had restricted shops to remain open till 5pm from 9 am to avoid crowding at market places in cities and rural areas. The decision was taken after the authorities found unnecessary crowding after the relaxations were rolled out from June 3. The order issued on Tuesday however extended it by 2 more hours and the order will come into effect from July 9. “The market and shop owners associations will ensure that the additional relaxations do not lead to crowding in shopping areas,” the orders issued by chief secretary Sajay Kumar stated.

The shops will continue to operate on alternate days, while markets will remain open throughout the week. The state government has allowed hotels and lodges to open their shutters from Wednesday.

State health minister Rajesh Tope said that the authorities are wary about the spread of the virus after more activities, including operation of hotels were allowed. “Most of this in the beginning had come from hotels and thus we have taken due care, while opening hotels and restaurants. We have issued a strict SOP for them to ensure social distancing and there was no spread of the virus through them. We want to draw a perfect balance between economic normalcy and containment of the virus,” he said. Thane mayor Naresh Mhaske said, “We have adequately aug