The Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra government on Thursday decided to lift all Covid-19-related curbs ahead of the upcoming festivals in the state, from April 2.
The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting today chaired by the Maharashtra Chief Minister. The state cabinet decided to lift all the existing COVID-19 restrictions including the mandatory wearing of masks from the date of ‘Gudi Padwa’, the Marathi New Year, which falls on April 2 this year.
Amid a spike in coronavirus cases other countries, particularly the lockdown in China, State Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Wednesday did emphasize the voluntary observance of COVID-appropriate behavior.
‘We`ve to be on alert as there is a surge in COVID cases in Europe, China and other countries. Till now we have seen the impact of the third wave, we can`t even think of removing the mask. In case we find any change, appropriate changes will be done by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. We will have to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour. There are relaxations given, it`s not as strict as earlier. But we will have to wear masks,’ Tope noted.
He had also said that a decision on Gudi Padwa celebrations, which the BJP has been demanding, will be taken by the CM after discussing the matter with the task force.
On Wednesday, Maharashtra had logged 119 fresh Covid-19 infections and two new deaths, the State Health department said.