Despite a decrease in Covid cases in the state, lockdown-like restrictions will be prolonged through June 1 with limited exceptions such as expanded businesses selling basics. Restaurants, beauty salons, and gyms, for example, are unlikely to be allowed to reopen at this time due to social distancing concerns.
On Thursday, the state cabinet met to consider how to handle the pandemic and whether restrictions should be eased. CM Uddhav Thackeray will make the final judgement after talking with the Covid task team.
Cases are on the rise in 15 districts: CM
Even though Covid infections are on the decline in the state, 15 districts are reporting an increase. Aside from that, mucormycosis infections are on the rise, so we must remain vigilant. The lockdown will be extended beyond June 1 rather than being lifted fully, and relaxations will be granted in stages, the CM stated at the meeting.
Officials say that although active cases have decreased, they are still at the same level as during the first wave’s peak and that it is, therefore, premature to open up for diverse activities. Officials expect the limitations to be extended until June 15, but shops providing necessities will be permitted to remain open longer, coupled with a few in the non-essential category, particularly those selling monsoon-related things.
Only essential shops are allowed to remain open from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the moment. Restaurants, hairdressers, gyms, and even shopping malls, according to officials, will not be considered for reopening until a significant portion of the population has been vaccinated.
Ajay Bhalla, the Union Ministry’s Home Secretary, has written to the chief secretaries of all states, requesting that the containment measures be maintained. Relaxations, he stated, should be considered at the proper time and in a gradual manner.
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