Maharashtra to extend lockdown restrictions till June 15

Considering the positivity rate in the municipality, district and availability of oxygen beds, 'break the chain' order has not been applied uniformly everywhere.

As of May 29, the weekend positivity rate will be taken into account for statistics and availability of oxygen.

 In his address, Mr Thackeray lauded the citizens and the administration as the recovery rate in the state has increased and the death rate has decreased significantly.

However, he noted that the cases are rising in the rural areas, which is a major concern. He added that the virus has mutated and is more lethal, fast-spreading and also it is now taking time for the patients.

 Mr Thackeray appealed to people of state that after the earlier initiative of  'Maze Kutumb Mazi Jababdari' and 'Me Jababdar' initiative has been to curb the pandemic. Now people should implement new initiative' Corona Mukta Gaon' to keep corona free from their village.

Citing example to three corona free villages including one village Hivarebazar in Ahmednagar district and two from Solapur district.

He also declared that the state government making new welfare scheme for orphans in the state who were lost their parents in corona and will take their care.

He urged to people of state that in view of possible third wave of Covid they should take care of their children and always follow these things including wear mask, clean your hand frequently and keep social distance.

Talking about vaccination he said that ,the state is ready to purchase vaccine for the age group of 18-44 in the state.

However,due to short of vaccine it was stopped for some time and it will start from coming days.

About farmers of the state he said that farm related shops will remained open in view of  pre kharip activities and advised that the farmers should take care of their health and avoid to rush whenever they purchasing.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra on Sunday witnessed less than 20,000 new COVID-19 cases after nearly three months.

The state recorded 18,600 new cases, taking the total number of active cases to 2,71,801. Besides, 402 COVID-19 deaths were reported in the day, taking the number of total fatalities to 94,844.

22,532 patients were discharged in the day, taking the tally to 53,62,370. The recovery rate in the state rose to 93.55%. The case fatality rate in the state is 1.65%. Currently, 19,98,976 people are in home quarantine and 12,981 people are in institutional quarantine.