Covid-19 crisis: Maharashtra stays firm, no easing of lockdown for Mumbai and Pune – Times of India

MUMBAI: Any hopes of some easing of curbs for Mumbaikars during the nationwide lockdown that has been extended by two weeks were dashed on Saturday after the state government issued revised guidelines to be applicable post-May 3, giving little leeway in the continuing Covid-19 crisis to the city’s residents as well as to those in other municipal corporations of MMR and the corporations of Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad and Malegaon.
With the lockdown extended till May 17, there are 14 districts in Maharashtra which are red zones, including Greater Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and Nashik. Sixteen districts are orange zones, and six are in the safe green zone. Of the 14 red zone districts, five are in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Pune and Malegaon, where restrictions have been tightened for the next two weeks. Nine other districts have been allowed some activities with restrictions.

An order issued by state chief secretary Ajoy Mehta on Saturday said private offices will not be allowed to operate with 33% strength in these areas. Asked specifically about Mumbai, given its status as the country’s financial capital, a top government official told TOI, “Offices will not be permitted to open in Mumbai because it is a red zone.”
The official, however, said that after a few days, the state could review this decision and consider opening offices, say with 10% attendance, if staff can travel in private vehicles.

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