Maharashtra, which has been recording below 25,000 Covid-19 cases daily for some time now, was hopeful that the Uddhav Thackeray government may lift the curbs. However, state health minister Rajesh Tope on Thursday said that the lockdown will not be lifted but some relaxations will be given. He added that the residents are being infected with the new variant and the positivity rate in 21 districts is higher than the average. The details of the fresh curbs with be worked out with task force soon.

Sources had earlier told News18 that the lockdown is likely to be extended for a week, following which restrictions may be lifted in phase-wise manner. The decision will be taken during Thursday’s cabinet meeting.

The trader bodies have been requesting the government to unlock the state as they have been witnessing ‘zero income’ for months. According to a report in Mumbai Live, the Chamber of Associations of Maharashtra Industries and Trade (CAMIT) chairman Mohan Gurnani said that the lockdown due to the second wave has broken our backs.

The State cabinet is mulling over two propositions. One, whether phased unlocking should start from June 7 or June 1. They further revealed that the opening up of the state will take place in four phases.

The first phase will see the opening of non-essential shops in a staggered manner. A report in India Today stated, shops will be allowed to function from 7 am to 2 pm.

If You Like This Story, Support NYOOOZ

NYOOOZ SUPPORTER

₹ 10 - ₹ 1000

NYOOOZ FRIEND

₹ 2000 - ₹ 5000

Your support to NYOOOZ will help us to continue create and publish news for and from smaller cities, which also need equal voice as much as citizens living in bigger cities have through mainstream media organizations.