Mumbai lockdown news: BIG update regarding level-wise restrictions, local train resumption

Despite the decreasing COVID cases and improved positivity rate in Mumbai, the city will continue to be under 'level 3' restrictions of the Maharashtra government's five-level plan, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said. It indicated that existing restrictions of the 'level 3' category would not be eased immediately.

Under the state government's plan to bring back normalcy amid a fall in cases, cities and districts in category one will see the highest degree of relaxation from curbs, while those in category five will see almost all 'break the chain' restrictions in place. The categorisation of areas, and resultant lifting or reimposing of curbs, is reviewed on a weekly basis.

However, municipal commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal hinted that level 3 norms will continue for some time.

"In Mumbai, 600 to 700 new COVID-19 patients were found even today, whereas this number should be less than 500. If positivity rate dips to around 1 to 1.5 per cent, then we can say that the COVID-19 situation is under control," Chahal said.

The BMC had kept Mumbai in level 3 this week, though state government's norms would have placed it under level two.

When will local trains be allowed for public?

The civic chief hinted that suburban train travel may not be permitted for all immediately. The BMC would first permit women to travel as and when a decision on this issue is taken, Chahal added.

"The situation needs to improve further to get Mumbai in level 2, after which this decision (on suburban travel) will be taken," he said.

Palghar under 'level 3'

Palghar district on Friday fell from category two to category three as part of the Maharashtra government's five-level plan to ease curbs as per positivity rate and oxygen bed occupancy levels.

An order issued by Palghar collector Manik Gursal said this category three notification includes Vasai Virar municipal limits.

Thane, Navi Mumbai and Kalyan-Dombivali under 'level 2'

Thane collector Rajesh Narvekar, in a notification issued on Friday, said Thane, Navi Mumbai and Kalyan-Dombivali have been placed under category two, while all other regions of the district have been kept in category three.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra on Friday recorded 9,798 new COVID-19 cases, taking its case tally to 59,54,508, while 198 fatalities raised the death toll to 1,16,674, the health department said.