Photo used for illustrative purpose.

India’s Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday extended till June 30, the countrywide restrictions to contain COVID-19, ordered on April 29 following the onset of a second wave of the pandemic.

"In spite of declining trend in infections, the number of active cases presently is still very high. It is, therefore, important that containment measures may continue to be implemented strictly," India’s Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said in Thursday night’s order.

He noted that "the strict implementation of containment and other measures has led to a declining trend in the number of new and active cases across states and union territories, barring some areas in the southern and north-eastern regions."

The restrictions include closures of shopping complexes, cinema halls, restaurants, sports complexes, spas, swimming pools and religious places. Essential activities such as provision of healthcare, police services, banks and regulated movement of public transport shall continue.

However, states and union territories have been given the leeway to take decisions based on local conditions and the level of COVID-19 infections.

Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also announced that the restrictions imposed in the state in the wake of the pandemic will continue for another 15 days. The government will review the situation again on June 15.

WAM