Surge In Covid-19 Cases: Gatherings To Be Banned In Maharashtra From Monday, Says CM

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday announced that in view of the rising COVID-19 cases, all political, religious and social gatherings will be prohibited in the state from Monday.

In his televised address, he also said that political agitations will not be allowed for the next few days as they attract crowd.

"The pandemic is raising its head in the state, but whether it is another wave will be known in eight to 15 days," he said.

"Lockdown may not be the solution to COVID-19, but it is the only option to break the cycle of the virus," he added.

The chief minister said that COVID-appropriate behaviour is a must and those violating the rules will be punished.

According to him, face mask is the only "shield" in the war against coronavirus.

"Wear mask, maintain discipline and observe social distancing to avoid a lockdown," Thackeray said.

Meanwhile, Amravati district in Maharashtra's Vidarbha region will be placed under a week-long lockdown from 8 pm on February 22, state minister Yashomati Thakur said on Sunday.

The lockdown will be in force till 8 am on March 1, added Thakur.

Apart from the week-long lockdown in Amravati, certain restrictions will be in place in four other districts of Amravati division- Akola, Washim, Buldhana and Yavatmal- with a view to curb the spread of the virus, an official said.

Thakur, who is the district guardian minister of Amravati, on Sunday reviewed the coronavirus situation.

She said that the week-long lockdown in Amravati was essential to control the recent spike in cases.

"During the lockdown, all shops, except those dealing in essential commodities, will remain shut along with the government and private educational institutions, private coaching classes, training schools. People can buy items of daily need from 9 am to 5 pm," the minister said.

Cinema houses, gyms, swimming pools, parks will remain shut and gatherings for entertainment, educational, cultural, religious purposes etc will not be permitted, she added.

The number of beds for COVID-19 treatment will be increased from 1,400 to 1,600 in the city and strict restrictions will be enforced in nine containment zones declared by the Amravati civic body, Thakur said.

She said that industries that have been given permission earlier will continue operations, while government offices and banks will work with 15 per cent staff or a minimum of 15 persons.

"Hotels and restaurants will sell only parcels while goods transport will continue unrestricted during the February 22-March 1 lockdown," she said.

According to the official, the district has reported 7,470 COVID-19 cases and 43 deaths since February 1, including a record single-day addition of 727 cases on Saturday.

The tally rose by 709 cases on Sunday, after which Divisional Commissioner Piyush Singh announced certain restrictions in Amravati, Akola, Washim, Buldhana and Yavatmal, he said.

The restrictions in other districts of the division will be for 36 hours, barring Amravati and Achalpur, Divisional Commissioner Singh said.

District Collector Shailesh Naval said that educational offices, non-teaching staff, research staff and scientists will be permitted for e-information, evaluation of answer sheets and result declaration work only.

Restrictions on number of passengers in different types of vehicles have been put in place, while inter-district bus transport will operate at 50 per cent capacity, that too with passengers compulsorily maintaining social distancing and wearing masks, he said.

"All concessions given under the 'Mission Begin Again' stand cancelled till 8 am of March 1," Naval said.