With  278 policemen freshly testing for Coronavirus in Maharashtra, the number of infected personnel in the police force has increased to 5,713. An official said on Wednesday, that so far 71 policemen have died due to Coronavirus infection. He said that the maximum number of 43 policemen, died in Mumbai. Two officers are also among the dead. 4531 policemen have been cured of the infection so far.

The official said, "With the confirmation of infection among 278 more policemen in the state, the number of infected in the police force has increased to 5713". At present, treatment of 1113 policemen is underway. 

In a tweet earlier in the day, State Home Minister Anil Deshmukh said, '5713 policemen have been infected with COVID-19. Of these, 4531 have been cured and 71 have died. However, the official said that a total of 1,55,984 cases were registered under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code for violating prohibitory orders since the lockdown came into force on March 25. He said that the police seized 88,783 vehicles and fined Rs 11.54 crore for violating orders.

In Maharashtra, the state government is gradually lifting restrictions under the 5th phase of Mission Begin Again. Fresh orders have been issued to allow hotels, lodges and guest houses outside containment zones to operate from tomorrow with 33 percent of their capacity. However, the hotels in shopping malls will not be allowed to reopen. The hoteliers have been asked to ensure proper crowd management in the hotels including elevators and parking lots, mandatory thermal screening at entrance and reception tables, which should have protective glasses.

The government has instructed the hoteliers to make available for free hand sanitisers, preferable pedal-operated dispensers, at the reception, guest rooms and public spaces for customers. The hotels must adopt contact-less processes like QR code, online forms, digital payments like e-wallet, among others, for both check-in and check-out.

Meanwhile, Railways has decided to expand to 350 local train services in Mumbai from today. At present, a total of 200 services are being run, out of which 130 services are running between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Kasara/Karjat/Kalyan/Dombivali/Thane on main line and 70 services are running between CSMT and Panvel on harbour line.150 more services will be added to the existing services making the total to 350 services. The number of services may be modified as per the requirement to ensure social distancing norms.

On the other hand, Tata Sons have donated 20 Ambulances, 100 ventilators and financial assistance of Rs. 10 Crore for setting up of Immunology and Virus Infection Research Centre to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation in order to strengthen its fight against Covid-19. BMC has extended its gratitude to Tata Sons and all other sponsors.