Maharashtra Government extended lockdown in the state till August 31 in view of rising coronavirus cases, which crossed the four- lakh mark.

Mumbai: Maharashtra Government extended the lockdown in the state till August 31 in view of rising coronavirus cases, which crossed the four- lakh mark.

A notification issued by Chief Secretary Sanjay Kumar said the decision has been taken as an "emergency step to prevent and contain" the spread of Covid-19.

LockdownMalls and market complexes without theatres, food courts and restaurants will be operational between 9 am to 7 pm from August 5, the notification said.

Maharashtra Government had last month extended the lockdown till July 31 amid a steady growth in the Covid-19 cases in the state.

The notification said movement of persons for purpose of non-essential activities like shopping and outdoor exercises shall be restricted within neighbourhood area limits with mandatory precautions of wearing masks, social distancing and personal hygiene.

Unrestricted movement will be allowed only for attending place of work which are open and for medical reasons, it said.

LockdownLarge public gatherings and congregations will continue to remain prohibited, and marriage-related gatherings will have only up to 50 guests, it said. The maximum number of persons allowed at funerals will be 20, it added.

Swimming pools will not be allowed to operate and wearing of masks will be compulsory in (public) transport system, it said.

Barber shops, spa, salons, and beauty parlors have been allowed to operate with certain stipulations since June 25.