Maharashtra: Lockdown extended till July 31

At a time when Maharashtra continues to be the worst-affected State in the country, the Uddhav Thackeray government on Monday extended the lockdown till July 31.  The announcement came in conjunction with the issuing of fresh guidelines under the umbrella title ‘Mission Begin Again’.  

As per the new guidelines, non-essential activities (like shopping) are going to be restricted within the neighbourhood limits in Mumbai, the financial capital of India.  Employees and emergency service providers will have free access with some conditions in place.

“All essential shops, e-commerce activity for essential and non-essential items, all industrial units which are presently operational and home delivery of food will be allowed,” NDTV has quoted the official bulletin as saying.  

Government offices, barring a few essential ones, will operate with 15% strength or 15 persons, whichever is higher.  And private offices will operate with 10% strength or 10 people, whichever is higher.  Plumbers, electricians, barbershops have been allowed.  

The State has got 1,64,626 coronavirus cases.