Covid Lockdown to be extended in Mumbai & Pune beyond May 3, likely till June: Sources

Sources in Maharashtra government informed Republic TV on Saturday that re was possibility of lifting  lockdown in Mumbai Metropolitan Region and Pune Metropolitan Region after May 3, when national lockdown is set to end.

As per se sources, such regions in state shall continue to remain under lockdown due to increasing number of cases. It is likely that current restrictions will remain in place at least till June. Meanwhile, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation confirmed that number of containment zones in Mumbai has increased to 1036. 

Read: 'Don't Panic Over Centre's COVID-19 Projections For Mumbai': Maha Health Min Rajesh Tope

Distribution of wheat and rice at subsided rates

Currently, re are 6,817 confirmed vel coronavirus cases in Maharashtra out of which 840 persons have recovered while 301 casualties have been reported. On Friday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray revealed that state government had started distributing wheat and rice at subsided prices to saffron ration cardholders for month of May and June in wake of COVID-19 crisis. While 3 kg of wheat will cost Rs.8 per kg, 2 kg of rice will be provided at Rs.12 per kg. According to CM, this move shall benefit 3 crore people. He also spoke to his Rajasthan counterpart Ashok Gehlot pertaining to arrangements for bringing back students stuck in Kota.  

Read: Maharashtra: Hundreds Flout Social Distancing rms As Crowd Gars At Market In Mumbra

Raj Thackeray puts forth suggestions

On Thursday, MNS chief Raj Thackeray wrote to Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray giving suggestions pertaining to rejuvenation of state ecomy in wake of nationwide lockdown. Highlighting that restaurants and canteens had been shut for 35 days, Raj Thackeray called upon state government to allow m to operate a parcel service with social distancing measures. reafter, MNS chief pointed out that state treasury was fast depleting due to absence of ecomic activity in lockdown period. 

Claiming that excise duty on liquor amounted to a yearly gain of Rs.14,000 crore for Maharashtra government, he contended that re was " harm" in opening wine shops. He maintained that this would commence much-needed income flow for state. Raj Thackeray asserted that this money could be used to provide PPE kits to healthcare staff and free meal service for people. 

Read: Maharashtra CM Uddhav Dials Rajasthan's Gehlot; Discusses Student Repatriation From Kota

Read: Coronavirus Live Updates: MHA Orders Reopening Of n-essentials; Cases Soar To 24506