The lockdown-like restrictions, currently imposed in the state of Maharashtra till May 15, are likely to be extended till month-end.
Officials say that even though COVID-19 cases in many districts, including Mumbai and Pune city, are showing a decline, daily cases in the state have plateaued, but are not decreasing.
A senior cabinet minister said that with COVID-19 cases declining in many parts of the state, there is a demand from several quarters for relaxations, but the state government is not likely to extend relief anytime soon.
The minister said that it is most likely that the state government will extend the ongoing restrictions till the end of the month.
“Nearly 12 districts are showing a decline in cases, but that is just one-third of the state; the remaining two-thirds is either stable or is reporting an increase. Opening up would lead to a surge again,” said the minister, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Last week, state health minister Rajesh Tope had said that Maharashtra’s positivity rate for COVID-19, an important indicator in gauging the spread of viral infection, has not come down significantly, despite the number of tests being scaled up.
A senior official said that relaxation in restrictions will only be given when the cases are under control.
However, the issue will be discussed at the cabinet meeting on Wednesday and a final decision will be taken then.
Surjitt Sahani
