Mumbai: Here's why Level 3 curbs to continue even as city moves to Level 1

According to the weekly review of COVID-19 indicators, Mumbai is eligible to be upgraded to Level 1 as the positivity rate has dipped below 5 per cent. These weekly reviews are a part of the Maharashtra government’s five-level unlock plan, 

As per the state government guidelines, areas under the Level 1 category are allowed maximum relaxations. However, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to continue with the Level 3 curbs in the city.

The current average positivity rate in the city is 3.79 per cent and oxygen bed occupancy to 23.56 per cent, stated a weekly review report issued by the government. Mumbai is reporting between 700 to 800 coronavirus cases daily.

Therefore, the civic body said that they would wait for a further dip in infections before allowing more relaxations. The decision on unlocking Mumbai can be taken only after the positivity rate nears 1 per cent.

Travel in suburban trains will remain restricted to only essential and medical workers. Malls, theatres, and multiplexes, which have been allowed in Level 1 and 2, will also remain shut in Mumbai. This means, there will be no change in the ongoing restrictions, civic officials added.

Meanwhile, additional Municipal Commissioner, Suresh Kakani said the BMC will review the situation again next week and then decide on further scaling up relaxations.

Besides, the state Task Force has suggested that the full lockdown in Mumbai should not be lifted until 70 per cent of Mumbaikars are vaccinated. On the other hand, experts also feel that complete unlocking should not be allowed for now.

Also Read: "Lifting lockdown would be an invitation to a fresh wave of COVID-19," says Maharashtra minister Aslam Shaikh

Meanwhile, the downward trend in the COVID-19 graph continues across Maharashtra. The Public Health Department has informed that there is no need for an ‘oxygen trigger’ in the state for the coming week as well.

According to reports, nearly 25 of the state’s 36 districts are eligible to be upgraded to the Level 1 category. Apart from Mumbai, the Thane district, which is also eligible for a Level 1 unlock, will continue to be on Level 3.

In MMR, Thane city and Navi Mumbai will continue at Level 2, while Kalyan-Dombivli goes from Level 2 to Level 3 due to an increase in positivity rate. Palghar district, including Vasai-Virar corporation, has also gone from Level 2 to Level 3 just in one week.

Mira Bhayandar Corporation, which was at Level 2 last week, has been downgraded to Level 3 in line with the other corporations in the Thane district.

These changes will come into effect from Monday, June 21. Raigad district, including Panvel civic corporation, will continue at Level 4.

Pune city will continue to be in Level 2, while Nashik city is likely to be upgraded to Level 2, and Aurangabad city and district will open up from Monday.

Currently, only three districts -- Raigad, Ratnagiri and Kolhapur -- have a positivity rate of over 10 per cent, but that too is on the decline. Kolhapur has the highest positivity rate of 13.7 per cent.

Also Read: Mumbai To Follow Level 3 Unlock Plan. Here's What's Allowed From June 7