Lockdown decision after review: Maha CM in cabinet meeting

Mumbai, Apr 7 () Maharashtra Chief Minister UddhavThackeray on Tuesday said a decision on the coronavirus-enforced lockdown will be taken at an appropriate time after areview amid hints it may continue in the state beyond April14.

A 21-day nationwide lockdown is in force since March25 to facilitate social distancing and halt the rapid spreadof the novel coronavirus.

Thackeray chaired a meeting of the cabinet, the firstthrough video conferencing due to the outbreak, in which thesituation prevailing in the state, which has the highestnumber of COVID-19 cases in the country, and available medicalinfrastructure were discussed, officials said.

Thackeray said a decision on the lockdown will betaken after April 14 (when the current shutdown ends).

"An appropriate decision (on extending or endinglockdown) would be taken after reviewing the prevailingsituation," he said.

Availability of testing kits, medical facilities,essential commodities and community kitchens figured in thediscussion during the cabinet meeting, a statement from theChief Minister's Office said.

It said Thackeray has authorised district collectorsto take decisions on posting of home guards, while localofficials would decide on timings for distribution ofessential items. MR BNMRSY RSY