Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray extends COVID-19 lockdown in state till April 30

After PM Modi's conference with all state chief Ministers, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray, on Saturday, anunced that lockdown will be extended in Maharashtra at least till April 30. Moreover, he added that while it is possible for government to lift lockdown in certain places, lockdown in major areas like Mumbai will continue and on a stricter level. Maharashtra has reported 1574 cases with 110 deaths - of which Mumbai amounts to 1008 and 64 deaths.

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Maharashtra lockdown extended till April 30

"I will extend lockdown in Maharashtra post-April 14 till April 30 at least. time extension of lockdown is in our hands. sooner we break 'Sakhli' (chain) of COVID-19 transmission, we can come out of lockdown. It is possible to lift lockdown in some places and instructions about examinations in schools, universities, allowing industries to be operational, will be given soon. But in major areas, like Mumbai, it is important to extend lockdown," he said. 

Lauding bravery with which Maharashtra - state with highest COVID-19 cases 1574, he said, "It has been 5 weeks since first case in Maharashtra. We have been able to keep it in control in state, but I want to get it to zero. We are allowing continuing of farm activities as done in previous lockdown. It will take time to break cycle and we have shown great bravery, but one must t spread confusion."

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He also stated that state was testing and screening highest number of cases, with 29000 already screened in Mumbai itself. He added that reason for higher deaths in Maharashtra is due to high risk patients with pre-existing conditions like diabities, kidney failure etc. In some cases, cases have been detected at last moment, which has led to higher fatalities.

Assuring his support to Centre in war against Coronavirus, Thackeray said, "All CMs are with PM Modi and he is with us. I have issues as Centre is with us and state is with m.  I dont want politics at this time. If this unity what I am seeing continues for long, India will definitely win over Corona and or issues. We have or option - we must fight and we have to win this war. You be aware, we (government) will take responsibility."

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States for lockdown

Apart from Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab and West Bengal have officially extended lockdown, several or states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Telangana, Delhi, Tamil Nadu are mulling to extend lockdown atleast till end of April. Some or states like Chhatisgarh, Meghalaya, Kerala, which have t seen a rapid increase in cases, have preferred a selective lockdown, relaxing curfew in most parts and limiting lockdown to COVID-19 hotspots. Most states have also readied exit-plans in case Centre does t anunce a nationwide lockdown post-April 14. 

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Centre hints at lockdown extension 

PM Modi too has hinted at extension of lockdown for 2 weeks, but Centre is yet to confirm same. PM stressed that next three-four weeks will be critical to determine impact of steps taken till w to curb spread of virus, suggesting pecific measures for agriculture and allied sector including modification of APMC (Agricultural Produce Market Committee) laws to facilitate sale of farm produce. India's current COVID-19 tally is at 7529, with 6634 active cases and 242 deaths.