Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will address the state at 8:30 pm today.
CM Uddhav Thackeray is expected to announce an extension of lockdown beyond June 1 for a fortnight. He is also likely to announce relaxation in stringent restrictions in 15 districts including Mumbai and Mumbai Suburban due to fall in cases. But curbs are expected to remain in place in 21 districts, which are in the red zone where the rate of growth in COVID-19 patients continues to be high.
This comes two days after Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Friday said that the lockdown-like restrictions in Maharashtra on account of the coronavirus pandemic have been extended by 15 days but a fresh set of guidelines will be issued on June 1.
The state cabinet had taken the decision to extend the curbs on people's movement and businesses -- in force since mid-April -- in a meeting on Thursday.
"As far as lockdown is concerned, 15 days' extension has been given, but the guidelines related to it will be issued on June 1," Tope told reporters.
No relaxation will be given in the areas where the number of patients and positivity rate are still high and hospital bed availability is an issue, he said.
"But in the areas where the situation has improved, certain guidelines (easing the curbs) can be issued," he added. Asked if shops selling non-essential commodities will be allowed to open, he said all such decisions will be taken on June 1.
