Lockdown may be lifted in phases: Maha health minister

Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Saturday said the government was considering relaxation of the ongoing lockdown for containment of coronavirus in phases.

Earlier in the day he had said the state government may not lift lockdown on April 14 if people did not observe discipline and the number of COVID-19 cases kept rising.

"Discussion is on about whether the lockdown can be relaxed in phases. Strict rules will have to be followed in the containment zones," Tope said in a live webcast later.

The minister also urged people to take steps to boost immunity. "Eat well and exercise indoors," he said.

"Many ayurveda practitioners want to recommend treatment for coronavirus. They should post whatever information they have about alternative medicine onthe AYUSH portal," Tope added.

Earlier in the day, Tope had told PTI that "people must strictly observe discipline", otherwise "there will be no other alternative left and the lockdown will have to be extended."