The state government clarified certain reports doing the rounds pertaining to the relaxation of lockdown rules in the red zones. It stated that these reports were not issued by the government.
Three reports that were doing the rounds were that physical exercise could be resumed in the red zones along with the reopening of non-essential shops. Thirdly, salons and beauty parlours were to resume their operations as well in the red zones. To clarify these rumours, the state government released a statement announcing that it has noticed these pieces of news doing the rounds and that these were not issued by the government of Maharashtra.
The government which is looking at lifting lockdown restrictions after May 31 in a ‘gradual and calibrated manner’ wants to ensure that people’s safety is secured as economic activities are pursued. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had earlier stated that the lockdown must not be lifted as abruptly as it was imposed which alludes to the four-hour notice provided by the Centre in March when the first phase of nationwide lockdown began. Thackeray, whose party Shiv Sena parted ways with long-term ally BJP last year, said though the Union government has been of little help. He, however, added that would not indulge in any political mudslinging.
Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Jayant Patil had stated that the state government will hold a review meeting on the lockdown situation on May 29. Criticising the Central government, he also said that Maharashtra has fared the best among other states despite not receiving much financial help from the centre.
Amidst the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra, Thackeray also said there was a need to be extra cautious during the upcoming monsoon, further intensifying the battle against the coronavirus as economic relaxations begin in the state. Maharashtra currently has 56,954 cases of coronavirus with 34,018 cases in Mumbai only.
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