Maharashtra extends Covid-19 restrictions till June 1

The earlier restrictions on traffic movement will remain. File pic

The state government on Thursday extended the existing Covid-19 related restrictions till the morning of June 1 to further arrest the spread of novel Coronavirus. The state has regulated the movement of people from other states by making a negative RT-PCR test, issued a maximum of two days before, mandatory across all modes of travel.

A day after the state cabinet said it was in favour of not easing the restrictions for another 15 days at least, Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte's order on Thursday said he found it necessary to continue the enforcement of current restrictions, along with certain additional restrictions, throughout the state from 7 am on May 15 till 7 am on June 1 to break the chain of transmission effectively.

Restrictions on local train travel in Mumbai and elsewhere will remain unchanged. Only essential service workers and special category employees approved earlier will be allowed on local trains, Metro and monorail. A new category of travellers - airport and port employees working in cargo divisions that handle medicines or equipment needed for Covid-19 management - will be allowed to use suburban, monorail and Metro services.

Some new restrictions

Those entering Maharashtra by any mode of transport will have to carry a negative RT-PCR test report issued a maximum of 48 hours before the time of entry.

Not more than two people (driver and cleaner/helper) will be allowed on cargo vehicles. If coming from outside the state, negative RT-PCR test reports, not older than 48 hours, should be submitted. The report will be valid for seven days.

Also Read: Centre should float common global tender for vaccines on states' behalf: Rajesh Tope

Local authorities will keep special vigil over rural markets and APMCs to ensure Covid-19 appropriate behaviour. If difficult to manage, markets will be shut or operated under further restrictions.

Milk collection, transport and processing will be allowed without restrictions and retail sale will be allowed subject to restrictions imposed on shops dealing with essential items or through home delivery.

Local authorities have been empowered to impose further restrictions in consultation with the state authority. They will have to give a 48-hour notice before enforcing further curbs.

Seven
Days for which the RT-PCR test report will be valid

7 am
Time on June 1 the restrictions will end