Concerned about the increasing number of the Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 cases, the Maharashtra Government warned of a strict lockdown.
So far, Nagpur and Thane have imposed strict lockdowns. In Nagpur City, the lockdown would start from the 15th of March till the 21st of March. Only essential commodities providers like milk, vegetables, groceries would open their shops. Malls, weekly markets would be closed, public functions and weddings would also not be allowed. In addition, restaurants could operate only up to 9:00 P.M., but home delivery would be allowed up to 10:00 P.M.
Areas in Thane are also under strict lockdown till the 31st of March. In Jalgaon, Janta Curfew was imposed on the 11th of March.
In addition, the Nanded area of Maharashtra also imposed strict restrictions from the 12th of March till the 21st of March. As per restrictions, weekly markets would not be allowed and coaching classes should remain closed during this period. However, shops providing essential commodities would be operational from 7:00 A.M., to 7:00 P.M. Hotels could function from 7:00 A.M., to 8:00 P.M., at 50 % of their seating capacity. Gyms, playgrounds and swimming pools too remain functional for practice, but competitions are not allowed to be held there between the 12th and the 21st of March. Social, religious and political programmes would not be allowed to be held during this period.
Besides the aforementioned places, all of Maharashtra is likely to be under a lockdown if cases keep on increasing.
On the 11th of March, Uddhav Thackeray, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra said a strict lockdown would be enforced in some parts of the State. The decision has been taken to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 infection, due to a massive rise in cases.
Mr. Thackeray’s statement came during the evening after he received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. He took the dose at the government run JJ Hospital in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Aslam Shaikh, the State Minister said, “In Mumbai, [COVID-19] cases are a bit higher. The chief minister has instructed all administration officers to take a decision on whatever is necessary; be it imposing a partial lockdown, increasing testing, or go for a complete lockdown.”
The lockdown in more areas of Maharashtra was speculated based on a recently published editorial piece. The Shiv Sena party’s mouthpiece, Saamana, read, “Is Maharashtra heading towards another lockdown? Cases across the country are increasing and Maharashtra’s contribution is major, which is a cause of concern… People should maintain self discipline and put some restrictions on themselves. Take care, else lockdown or strict restrictions are unavoidable.”
Meanwhile, on the 11th of March, Maharashtra recorded 14,317 new coronavirus cases, the highest one day spike in 2021.
The total positive cases of COVID-19 is at 22,66,374 in Maharashtra.
Stay tuned for further updates.
