Mumbai & other Maharashtra districts to follow a 4-phased unlock plan after June 1

Encouraged by the downward trajectory of the COVID scale in Maharashtra, the state has decided to work on a four-phase unlock plan to allow graded relaxations after June 1. This will strategise the reopening of other services and sector, in addition to those deemed essential, to prevent an unprecedented surge of infection. Reports have highlighted that timings of 'essential' shops will also be extended from the present 7 AM to 11 PM, soon.

Commute in Mumbai locals will be permitted for all by Phase 4

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The state of Maharashtra is chalking out a staggered unlock plan to diffuse the curfew norms here. Under the ambit of the 4 phase unlock, the administration is primarily looking to increase the operational hours of essential shops and reopen other sectors to revive normalcy here, in the first and the second phase. Restaurants, hotel, bars and wine shops will be then relaxed in the third phase.

According to the Relief and Rehabilitation Minister, commute in Mumbai local trains will be permitted for all by phase 4. The suburban trains are only ferrying BMC and other essential service staff as of now. Similarly, attendance at government offices will also be increased across Maharashtra. Presently, only 15% of employees are permitted to work from public offices.

All relaxations will be offered on the basis of caseload, test positivity rate and the overall pressure on the health care system. While the officials have specifically informed that the relief will not be extended to the 15 'red zone' districts here, a gradual reopening will be exercised otherwise in the state, after June 1. As per officials, these districts are nursing over a 10% case positivity ratio and will continue to remain clasped strict restrictions here, according to their respective on-ground situation.

COVID spread recedes in Mumbai

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State officials have acquitted the receding rate of COVID-19 spread to plan the phased relaxations here. The emergence of strong recovery trends in Mumbai, which was touted to be the worst hit by the second wave of infection, has brought in some respite for all.

The single-digit test positivity rate and overall ease in procuring treatment beds, under the Mumbai Model, have further calmed the rampant spread of the infection. On Monday, the maximum city logged in 1,049 fresh cases and 965 recoveries. The death toll surged by 48 casualties in the last 24 hours, pegging the active caseload at 28,299 patients.