Maharashtra Govt Allows Some Economic Activity Amid Lockdown, But With Conditions

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray during a news conference on Sunday said that some activity would be sanctioned in the least-affected parts of the state while observing a strict lockdown in the red zones that have the maximum number of cases

Photo: PTI

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said that the state government will allow industries to resume operations from Monday following the weeks-long shutdown to slow the spread of Coronavirus which left millions out of work. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray during a news conference on Sunday said that some activity would be sanctioned in the least-affected parts of the state while observing a strict lockdown in the red zones that have the maximum number of cases. The Chief Minister said, “Tomorrow onwards we’re starting some financial activities. As we don’t run our economy now, we’ll be in financial crisis after we come out of Coronavirus crisis. We’re starting some business activities in a limited way. Fortunately,several of our districts have zero positive case,” Thackeray said. Maharashtra CM made clear that though the borders of the districts will be sealed, the production work in industries/businesses coming in the green zone will be allowed. Green zones are the areas where no Coronavirus case has been reported. Orange zones are areas where Coronavirus has been reported in a limited area. Uddhav expressed relief that there are several districts in the state that have recorded zero COVID-19 cases. In red zones, which are under strictest restrictions, there won’t be any relaxation. “Door-to-door delivery of newspapers would not be allowed in Mumbai and Pune which are in the red zone,” said the chief minister. Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray also assured the migrant laborers in the state that his government would ensure that they are sent home once the lockdown is lifted. According to ANI, Thackeray said in a webcast, “I give you my word that the Maharashtra government will take you to your homes, the day this crisis ends. I believe that when you go back to your homes, you should go back happily and not out of fear,”. The assurance from the minister came four days after hundreds of migrant workers in Mumbai rushed to the Bandra West railway station despite the lockdown following rumors that the railways were about to start services to take stranded people home. The workers were also protesting against the extension of the lockdown. They eventually dispersed after a lathi-charge by the police. He also announced that no suburban train will operate till May 3, the date till which nationwide lockdown has been extended. Thackeray also said that there is no need to be scared of the disease. As 95 percent tests negative so people need not be scared of COVID-19. Do not hide it if you have symptoms and approach government hospitals. The Coronavirus cases reached 15,712 and the death toll jumped to 507 in India on Sunday. According to the Health Ministry, 2,231 cases have recovered from the deadly illness. In Maharashtra, the total number of Coronavirus cases have reached to 3651.