Minister for Public health Rajesh Tope said that amid increasing Covid-19 cases in many districts, the cabinet ministers in a meeting opined to extend lockdown-like restrictions for further two weeks in the state, from May 16 to May 30. Current lockdown like restrictions will ends on Saturday. He also said that CM Uddhav Thackeray will take a final decision and orders may issue accordingly, in the next two-three days, added Tope. Maharashtra reports 46,781 new Covid-19 cases, 58,805 discharges and 816 deaths in the last 24 hours. The extended lockdown is expected to be as strict as it is currently, although in districts where a surge is being witnessed, harsher restrictions might be imposed.
The state government initially announced 'Break The Chain' restrictions from April 22 to May 1. These restrictions were later extended till May 15 amid rising cases and casualties in the state. During the current lockdown, inter-city, as well as inter-district travel, has been banned by the government, while all the non-essential services have been shut. Only essential services have been allowed to operate from 7 am to 11 am. Furthermore, government offices have been allowed to function at 15% capacity. Maharashtra has reported 51,38,973 COVID-19 cases and 76,398 deaths since the start of the pandemic, according to the Health Ministry data. It is the worst-affected state in India in terms of both cases and fatalities. In another news, all the vaccines procured by Maharashtra govt for the 18-44 age group will be diverted for the 45+ category. Also, all the doses we will get from the Centre too will be to people due for their second dose.