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Maharashtra is the worst-hit state in India by the COVID-19 pandemic, with cities like Mumbai and Pune having a large portion of the cases. Amid the difficult time, the government has decided to extend the lockdown, but with a phased plan to unlock in the interest of economic activities. By Manya Saini
Even as the state government of Maharashtra extends the lockdown till June 30, it has launched, ‘Mission Begin Again’, an action plan for the phased reopening of the red zones like Mumbai from June 3. The three-phased plan is for the worst-affected areas to begin their daily essential activities again.
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In the first phase, outdoor activities like cycling and jogging during the day time will be permitted again. It also includes allowing self-employed persons such as electricians, plumbers, and cab drivers to resume work. The second phase starting from June 5 will see the reopening of markets and shops between 09:00 am to 05:00 pm on an odd-even basis. The final phase from June 8 onward will allow private offices to resume work on-site with 10 per cent of their total strength. However, the night curfew between 09:00 pm to 05:00 am will continue to remain in force till the end of June.
Travelling will be permitted only within a particular district, with the use of public transport like buses limited to essential workers. These will operate at 50 per cent capacity while observing social distancing norms. The use of cab aggregators has also been limited only to healthcare and other essential workers in the state.
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International flights, local trains, and metro will continue to remain banned along with the movement of inter-state buses. Further, malls, movie theatres, hotels, places of worship, salons, and gyms will remain closed until the end of the lockdown extension.
As per reports, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray in a statement said, that the state is no longer looking to use the term ‘lockdown’ as it starts to come back to life. Further adding, “I hope we set an example for others with our self-discipline so that we are not forced to revoke any of these relaxations.”
Related: These Districts In Himachal Pradesh Have Extended The Lockdown Until June 30
