Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu Extend Lockdown Till May 31 As Covid-19 Cases Continue To Rise

Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have extended the lockodwn until May 31 to contain the spread of novel coronavirus, Chief Ministers of both the states  announced on Sunday afternoon.

"COVID-19 lockdown in Tamil Nadu has been extended till May 31 with more relaxations," Tamil Nadu CM K Palaniswami said, announcing new relaxations such as resumption of public transportation in 25 districts after a hiatus of nearly two months.

In 12 other districts, including Chennai, there will be no change in the curbs and will continue as they existed during the third phase of lockdown, set to end on Sunday, he added.

However, Schools, colleges, places of worship, cinema theatres and bars in Tamil Nadu will remain shut during this period.

"The calibrated phase-wise relaxation/lifting of lockdown orders will be notified in due course," the order from Maharashtra said. The present lockdown was valid till May 17.

Maharashtra is the worst-hit state in India recording the maximum number of cases and deaths due to COVID-19. 

Of the total 2,872 fatalities, Maharashtra tops the tally with 1,135 fatalities while Gujarat comes second with 625 deaths.

With more than 10,000 coronavirus cases and 74 deaths, Tamil Nadu is not too far behind either. 

Of the 120 new deaths reported since Saturday morning, 67 were in Maharashtra.

Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu are also among the only three states in India which have registered over 10,000 cases.

"Lockdown 3.0 ends today. Lockdown 4.0 will come into effect tomorrow and will be valid till May 31. There will be some relaxations in the fourth phase," Maharashtra Chief Secretary Ajoy Mehta said.

"The green and orange zones will get more relaxations, in terms of starting more services. As of now only essential services are operational, he said.

Maharashtra has recorded 30,706 COVID-19 cases of which 22,479 are active. The death toll is 1135, while 7,088 patients have been discharged after recovery.