A day after Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope confirmed that the curbs will not be completely lifted, reports have stated that the lockdown-like restrictions are likely to be extended till June 15 despite a dip in the coronavirus cases.
However, there would be minor relaxations such as extended hours for shops selling essentials and reopening of some shops in the non-essential category, especially those selling items for the monsoon.
Though, sectors, where social distancing is an issue, are unlikely to be permitted to resume services immediately. According to officials, sectors that involve contact in enclosed spaces like restaurants, salons or parlours, gyms and even malls will not be considered for reopening till a sizable chunk of the population has been vaccinated.
In the cabinet meeting on Thursday, May 27, a discussion on the handling of the pandemic and whether curbs should be relaxed took place.
While talking to reporters after the meeting, Tope said the Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA government has decided that all COVID-19 restrictions will not be lifted as 21 districts still have more than a 10 per cent positivity rate.
The development came at a time when various trade bodies have been pressuring for relaxation.
The state government will take a decision regarding the lockdown extension and relaxations based on the task force report. Besides, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will take the final call, he mentioned after a meeting with CM Thackeray.
Thackeray had imposed a lockdown in Maharashtra on April 14 after an unprecedented hike in daily COVID-19 cases in the second wave of the pandemic.
Also Read: COVID-19 restrictions: Maharashtra govt to ease curbs in phases from June 1
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