Covid-19 crisis: Maharashtra govt plans graded relaxation in curbs

The Maharashtra government on Thursday said lockdown-like curbs would be relaxed in districts in a graded manner, based on case positivity rate, adding a policy would soon be formed on the issue.

The government issued a statement to clear the air after television channels reported about lifting of all restrictions in 18 districts.

Under the proposed norms, districts would be classified on five levels based on weekly case positivity rate and occupancy of oxygenated beds in hospitals. The existing restrictions would be relaxed or made more stringent based on these parameters, the state government said.

The state’s disaster management authority met on Thursday to discuss the proposal. After the meeting, Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Vijay Wadettiwar told the media that existing restrictions will be eased in 18 districts that are in level 1 — case positivity rate of 5 per cent and where occupancy of oxygenated beds is less than 25 per cent.

Based on the latest case figures, Mumbai has been classified in level 2 and will see the opening of gyms, salons etc, according to media reports.

Later Wadettiwar said that only an in-principle decision has been taken in the state disaster management authority meeting on the issue. He blamed televisions for the confusion and said a final decision in that regard would be taken by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday.

Maharashtra which has seen the highest number of Covid-19 cases in the country extended lockdown for 15 days till June 15. Over 15,000 fresh cases were reported on Thursday and active case load in the state stood at over 200,000.

Shop timings have been extended and stores selling non-essential items have been allowed to function in Mumbai from June 1.

 E-commerce companies, too, have been allowed to deliver non-essential goods in cities. These conditions have been eased in districts with case positivity rate of less than 10 per cent.

However, curbs have been tightened and borders sealed in districts with case positivity rate higher than 20 per cent.