While the Maharashtra government may consider easing some curbs, the current lockdown-like restrictions are to remain in force after May 31, said Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Thursday.
Following a meeting of the Cabinet in which the pandemic situation was reviewed, Mr. Tope said a decision on what restrictions were to be eased would be taken by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray after he had conferred with the COVID-19 task force members and the Health Department.
While observing that the active case tally had reduced by 50% over the last one month, he said there were no plans to relax the lockdown in a major way as yet as the positivity rate was still high in 21 districts.
“A significant reduction in some districts has been offset by a spike in other districts …so, while there is discussion regarding easing restrictions in some parts, the general lockdown will remain in force.”
The active case tally has come down from nearly seven lakhs a month ago to 3.15 lakh. With Mumbai, Pune, Nashik and Nagpur — former virus hotbeds — showing a notable decline in cases and fatalities, the Health Minister, along with other State government leaders, had hinted at easing of regulations in districts which did not fall under the “red zones”.
Mr. Tope also said the State government had constituted a 14-member task force under noted paediatrcian Dr. Suhas Prabhu in anticipation of a third wave which is speculated to affect more children.
