CM Uddhav Thackeray Clears About Lockdown in Maharashtra Again as Cases Surge

Amid reports that the Maharashtra government planned to withdraw the lockdown relaxations in the state, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday made it clear that no such decision has been taken.

Stating that some media reports were creating confusion in the minds of people, he said the government was easing the lockdown restrictions in phases to restart the economy.

"Some TV news channels and web based life stages are talking about lockdown being reimposed and conclusion everything being equal. Yet, the legislature has not taken any such choice," Thackeray said in an announcement. 

"Such news makes disarray among the individuals and it ought not be broadcast without confirmation. Sending such posts and broadcasting news that make misconstruing and spread gossipy tidbits, is a wrongdoing," he said. 

"We are facilitating lockdown limitations in stages to restart the economy. However, lifting of limitations doesn't mean superfluous swarming and damaging order of physical removing and cleanliness," he said.

On May 31, a day after the Centre announced significant relaxations under "Unlock 1", the Maharashtra government had extended the lockdown till June 30, but announced a slew of relaxations



and phase-wise resumption of activities under the "Mission Begin Again".

All markets, market areas and shops, except malls, were allowed to reopen in the state from June 5 on the odd-even basis in non-containment zones. It also allowed private offices to operate with up to 10 per cent of their employee strength as per the requirement from June 8.

The chief minister also said that wearing face-masks, maintaining physical distance, washing hands regularly should be made part of our lives.

"This is necessary for good health of our own and our loved ones. Self-discipline is must," he said.

The Chief Minister's Office (CMO) took to Twitter to clarify speculations about the lockdown being reimposed. "The lockdown has not been reimposed. CM Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray has appealed to the people to refrain from crowding. He has earnestly requested them to follow the Govt's instructions and take necessary precautions to stay safe and take care," it said in a tweet.

Earlier this week, Thackeray had expressed dismay over the crowding by people after lockdown restrictions were eased. He had said the COVID-19 threat still persists and the lockdown had been eased to ensure economic activity doesn't remain standstill.