Maharashtra decides to extend Covid-19 lockdown to June 1

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<strong>The Maharashtra Government led by Uddhav Thackeray on May 13 announced to extend the ongoing lockdown till 7 a.m. on June 1 to break the Covid-19 transmission chain in the State. This important decision to continue with the Coronavirus restrictions followed a Cabinet meeting of the Ministers on May 12.</strong></p>
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The lockdown was supposed to end at 7 a.m. on May 15.</p>
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Besides, the new restrictions include a mandatory negative RT-PCR test report for those entering the State and curbs on those arriving from places of "sensitive origins", says the order issued by Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte on May 12.</p>
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The order states that "Milk collection, transport and processing may be allowed without restrictions though its retail sale be allowed subject to restrictions imposed on shops dealing with essential items or through home delivery.”</p>
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In case of cargo carriers, not more than two people will be allowed to travel in those vehicles. The order specified: "If the carriers are originating from outside Maharashtra, they will be allowed with a negative RT-PCR test report issued within 48 hours before the time of entry into the State and will be valid for seven days.”</p>
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The State Government has asked the local disaster management authority (DMA) to ensure Covid-appropriate behaviour at rural markets and has been authorized to shut down or impose more restrictions on shops that do not comply.</p>
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The order specified that "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.”</p>
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Maharashtra reported 5,48,507 active cases and a total of 52,26,710 cases as on May 13.</p>