The Maharashtra government is all set to extend the lockdown due to rising cases of coronavirus in hotspot regions such as Mumbai, Pune, Aurangabad, Malegaon, Nashik Aurangabad and Solapur until May 31. The State government is likely to send a report to this effect to the central government soon.
“It was also agreed upon that the lockdown from now on has to be strictly implemented in red zones, especially in containment areas. At the same time, further relaxations could be given in orange and green zones,” a minister was quoted by The Hindu.
While talking to NDTV, Subhash Desai, State’s Industry Minister said, “Looking at the situation we see that lockdown has to continue in some areas. Our first challenge is to fight coronavirus.”
Confirming the regions, the minister added, “Looking at the rate of increase of virus cases, we have to extend the lockdown in Mumbai, Pune, Solapur, Aurangabad and Malegaon town in Nashik district till May 31. The State’s view will be conveyed to the centre in writing.”
Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday held a meeting to discuss the extended lockdown in major cities of the State. The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and several leaders of the State including Subhash Desai, Ashok Chavan, Jayant Patil, Balasaheb Thorat and Eknath Shinde.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra is nearing 26,000-mark of COVID-19 cases, and nearly 1,000 deaths with Mumbai being worst hit in the State accounting for 15,747 cases reported and 596 fatalities.
The nationwide shutdown, which was first enforced on March 25, and has been extended twice, on April 14 and May 4. The third phase will end on May 17. Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the nation, said there will be a fourth phase of the lockdown, which will be different from previous lockdowns.
