Maharashtra takes U-turn on unlock, says lockdown not lifted yet

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Image shared on Facebook by @UddhavBalasahebThackeray
Image shared on Facebook by @UddhavBalasahebThackeray

Mumbai : The Maharashtra government took an abrupt U-turn on Friday and notified that the lockdown is not lifted in half of the state. The new statement came hours after Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Vijay Wadettiwar announced partial relaxations.

The government released an official statement saying, “The lockdown has not been lifted (from Friday). The proposal is still under consideration.”

The state is still receiving a high number of coronavirus cases, including rural parts. The proposal will be discussed and may get implemented after a complete review of the situation.

“In view of the deadly and changing form of the coronavirus, it is important to decide whether or not to life the ongoing curbs. The restrictions have not yet been lifted in the state,” said the statement.

Though it pointed out that in order to break the chain, some relaxations are being given on regular basis and the Disaster Management Department is considering a five-phased unlockdown based on the weekly Covid-19 positivity rate and the availability of oxygen beds.

The state government’s clarification came hours after Wadettiwar held a press conference and unveiled the details of the unlockdown in half of Maharashtra – or 18 of the 36 districts – from June 4.

Apparently going on the backfoot, Wadettiwar defended his statements, claiming that the unlockdown proposals have been tentatively approved and the final decision would be taken by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

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