Maharashtra's lockdown-like restrictions to contain the spread of coronavirus will remain in place for the rest of the month. The curbs have been extended till 7 am on June 1, according to the state government.
The new restrictions include a mandatory negative RT-PCR test report for those entering the state and curbs on those arriving from places of "sensitive origins", says an order issued by Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte on Wednesday.
"Milk collection, transport and processing may be allowed without restrictions though its retail sale be allowed subject to restrictions imposed on shops dealing with essential items or through home delivery," the government order said.
In case of cargo carriers, not more than two people will be allowed to travel in those vehicles.
"If the carriers are originating from outside Maharashtra, they will be allowed with a negative RT-PCR test report issued within 48 hours before the time of entry into the state and will be valid for seven days," the order said.
The lockdown-like curbs were earlier imposed in the state on April 5.
The local disaster management authority (DMA) has been asked to ensure Covid-appropriate behaviour at rural markets and has been authorized to shut down or impose more restrictions on shops that do not comply.
"Personnel engaged in Airport and Port services and needed for movement of cargo related to medicines or equipment needed for Covid management will be allowed to travel in local, mono and metro services," read the order.
Maharashtra is among the states that account for 82.51 per cent of the total active cases, according to the Health Ministry.
The western state, home to the country's financial capital Mumbai, reported 46,781 new cases and 816 deaths on Wednesday. Up to 58,805 patients were discharged in the last 24 hours.
The positivity rate has fallen to 17.36 per cent while the fatality rate is down to 1.49 per cent, the health department said.
Pune reported the 9,536 and 74 deaths while Mumbai saw 2,104 cases and 66 deaths.
India is in deep crisis in the current wave of COVID-19 infections with around 3.5 lakh cases and 4,000 deaths being reported daily. Hospitals and morgues are overflowing, medical staff is exhausted and oxygen and drugs are running short.
Despite being the global hub of vaccine manufacturing, India has managed to fully inoculate just 2.5 per cent of its population.
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