Yavatmal: Amid the rising cases of novel coronavirus, multiple districts in Maharashtra on Thursday declared strict curbs. The district authorities on Thursday declared a shutdown in Amravati during the weekend, while strict limitations are imposed in Yavatmal district.

Shailesh Naval, District Collector of Amravati talking to ANI, said, “Owing to rising cases, lockdown declared in Amravati District from Saturday 8 pm to Monday 7 am.” Amravati reported the highest spike in COVID-19 cases among the districts recently. At least 230 people tested positive for the infection on 17 February, according to the officials.

Authorities also declared strict restrictions in Yavatmal district. Schools and colleges here will remain closed till February 28. Restaurants, wedding halls to operate with 50 per cent of the capacity, the District Collector said. Assembly of 5 or more people not allowed, the administration ordered.

"We have decided to conduct around 500 tests per day in Yavatmal, Pandharkawda and Pusad municipal corporations. Today we are ordering lockdown in Yavatmal district till 28 February," PTI quoted Collector as saying.

Earlier, this week, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray cautioned that if COVID-19 rules are not followed, people should be prepared for a new round of lockdown. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also expressed unhappiness over people not following COVID-19-related protocols. Meanwhile, Maharashtra on Thursday reported over 5,000 new cases after a gap of 75 days.