The officials claim that in view of the large population in the city, daily commuters in local trains and a possibility of a third wave, the civic body is delaying the unlocking.
According to the order, Mumbai has a positivity rate of 3.8 per cent and the oxygen bed occupancy was 23.6 per cent. The order further said that the decision may be reviewed later.
According to this data, Mumbai should be in Level-1 of unlocking, but as the state has given powers to the local administration to take the final call, BMC decided to continue the restrictions.
BMC officials said that if restrictions are eased to Level-2 next week, then several areas could see crowds, and social-distancing measures might go for a toss. So, it is likely that Mumbai may remain in Level-3 restrictions till the end of June.
Level 3 restrictions imply that essential shops and establishments can remain open till 4 pm on all days, non-essential shops and establishments can remain open till 4 pm on weekdays. It also rules that restaurants will be allowed to operate dine-in with 50 per cent capacity, till 4 pm on weekdays, and can allow takeaways and home deliveries after.
Besides, use of local trains is restricted for medical and essential services, gyms, salons and spas will remain open till 4 pm, operational on 50 per cent capacity.
However, areas under the Level 1 category are allowed maximum relaxations.
Earlier, the BMC chief Iqbal Chahal Mumbai will remain under Level-3 restrictions till coronavirus cases come down to around 100-300 per day. Moreover, Chahal stated 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 will be taken, Chahal added.
Besides, the state Task Force has suggested that the full lockdown in Mumbai should not be lifted until 70 per cent of Mumbaikars are vaccinated. On the other hand, experts also feel that complete unlocking should not be allowed for now.