Maharashtra government has extended the lockdown by another 15 days beyond April 30, state Public Health Minister Rajesh Tope said on Wednesday. He said all members of the cabinet, who participated in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, pitched for such extension. The lockdown in Maharashtra has been extended till May 15
"It (the lockdown) will be extended by 15 days," Tope said.
The decision has been taken in view of the alarming rise in the COVID-19 cases. The state government on April 4 announced a weekend lockdown and restrictions on the movement of people in the night during the weekdays till April 30.
The state is seeing a positive effect of the lockdown. The number of coronavirus cases in the state has been declining for the last two to three days. Citizens should follow the Corona Preventive Rules like wearing masks and observing social distance. Therefore, increasing the lockdown by 15 days will help bring the situation under control, said Health Minister Rajesh Tope.