Complete lockdown imposed once again in Mumbai and Pune

As of April 21, 2020, the total number of cases in Maharashtra crossed the 5000-mark and keeping this jump in mind, the state government on Tuesday decided to revoke the relaxations given to some sectors in the Mumbai and Pune. As per data, these two regions have been the most affected in the state. Data reveals that Maharashtra has a total of 5218 cases, out of which 3451 are from Mumbai and 646 are from Pune. The city has recorded 251 deaths and 722 patients have been discharged.

On April 17, 2020, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and Pune Municipal Corporation along with the state government decided to ease the lockdown restrictions in MMR and PMR regions, allowing sectors like agriculture products, takeaway restaurants, e-commerce companies, sweet and confectionary shops, electronic supplies, courier services, and some others to resume with limited staff, with several guidelines and clauses. However, the government on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, has decided to revise the guidelines thereby imposing a complete lockdown again in MMR and PMR regions, thereby revoking all the above-mentioned and other relaxations. 

The amendment of the consolidated revised guidelines stated, "In view of large number of people commuting, because of the relaxation issued vide order dated 17th April 2020 and also the imminent threat of further spread of the pandemic it is hereby directed in so far as Mumbai Metropolitan Region and the Pune Metropolitan Region area is concerned the orders issued on 17th April 2020 shall not apply and the position prevailing prior the issuance of 17th April 2020 shall be reinstated.

The guidelines further clarified that vehicles which will be used for e-commerce delivery would be allowed with necessary permissions, and only delivery of essential commodities, food, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment will be allowed. The delivery of newspapers and magazines in Mumbai, Pune and all other containment zones is prohibited.

Important document: List of 813 Containment Zones or Red Zones in Mumbai