Despite the stringent curbs in Maharashtra, the 7-11 AM window, when shops are allowed to operate, has seen people coming out in large numbers and crowding the markets.
Mumbai| The Maharashtra government today announced the extension of stringent measures taken to curb the spread of Covid-19 in the state. In an order issued on Wednesday, Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte said that these restrictions have been extended up to 7 AM on June 1. The semi-lockdown was imposed in the state late last month in view of rising cases of Covid-19 in the state. It was already extended once. This is the second time that the semi-lockdown has been extended.
The new order said that a negative RT-PCR test will be mandatory for all those entering the state and there will be curbs in place for those coming from places of “Sensitive Origin”. It also notes that milk collection, its transportation and processing may be allowed without restrictions. However, retail sales will be allowed depending upon the restrictions imposed in respective areas. Home delivery can be permitted, it said.
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Despite the stringent curbs, the 7-11 AM window, when shops are allowed to operate, has seen people coming out in large numbers and crowding the markets. Thus, the new order has asked the local authorities to keep a special vigil on rural markets and APMCs to ensure Covid Appropriate Behaviour. If found violating, the local DM is empowered to decide on a case by case basis to shut these or impose further restrictions.
Strict restrictions under #BreakTheChain extended till 1st June 2021 pic.twitter.com/QxEmW77ZlV
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) May 13, 2021
“Personnel engaged in Airport and Port services and needed for movement of cargo related to medicines or equipment needed for Covid management will be allowed to travel in local, mono and metro services,” read the order.
The state has seen a significant improvement in the number of Covid-19 cases since the imposition of the lockdown. On Wednesday, Maharashtra reported 46,781 new cases and 816 deaths. However, recoveries outnumbered new cases. As many as 58,805 patients were discharged in the last 24 hours.
The positivity rate has fallen to 17.36 per cent while the fatality rate is down to 1.49 per cent, the health department said.
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