Lockdown beyond June 1: Govt likey to decide today

Maharashtra Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday is expected to take a decision on extension of lockdown beyond June 1 and the relaxations to be allowed in the present strict restrictions.

NCP chief spokesman and Minister of Minority Affairs Nawab Malik on Wednesday has ruled out the possibility of withdrawal of the lockdown at one go but it will be done in phases. Similarly, the Mumbai District Guardian Minister Aslam Shaikh said the cabinet will take a decision based on the recommendation by the Task Force on Covid-19 headed by Dr Sanjay Oak.

As reported by the Free Press Journal, the state government will withdraw the lockdown in four phases. During the first phase, shops will be allowed to operate from 7 am to 2 pm, in the second phase some other shops related to daily necessities may be allowed to continue and they will be allowed to open on alternate days. In the third phase, hotels, permit rooms, beer bars and liquor stores will be allowed to continue with restrictions. But the hotels will be allowed to operate at 50 per cent capacity.

During phase four, the Mumbai suburban trains are expected to operate allowing the general public.

"There is a lockdown in the state till 7 am on June 1. There are 15 districts in the state where the positivity rate is more than 10 percent. In some districts the proportion is three to five per cent. The lockdown cannot be lifted totally. The decision regarding lockdown will be taken only after reviewing the situation. The Chief Minister will take a decision before May 31 to relax the restrictions,” said Malik.

Public Health Minister Rajesh Tope said the complete withdrawal of the lockdown will not be possible, especially amid the possibility of a third wave of Covid.

Shaikh admitted there have been representations from various sections for relaxation in lockdown norms. However, the cabinet will decide based on the Task Force’s recommendation.