Nagpur: Exactly one year ago, the first COVID-19 patient was reported in Nagpur and now on March 11, 2021, the administration has decided to impose lockdown amid the alarming spike of cases in the district.

With cases rising all around the city of Nagpur, the Maharashtra government decided to enforce a lockdown here starting March 15. The lockdown will be imposed till March 21. Only essential services will be permitted during the lockdown, according to the order issued by the Nagpur district administration.

Medical stores and other emergency services will continue to remain in operation, the order said. Nagpur Guardian Minister, Nitin Raut said, “A complete lockdown to remain imposed in Nagpur City Police Commissionerate area from March 15 till March 21. Essential services will continue to function.”

The development comes as Maharashtra reported 13,659 new cases on Wednesday which is almost 60 per cent of the country's daily new cases. The state also became worst hit states in the country.

On the other side, Aurangabad on Sunday had ordered night restrictions from 9 pm to 6 am from 11 March to 4 April to curtail the further spread of the contagion. The Maharashtra Minister Eknath Shinde had cautioned that there will be a full lockdown on weekends in the district most affected by the novel virus.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra on Wednesday recorded 13,659 COVID-19 cases, its first one-day spike in excess of 13,000 in 2021. Also, Maharashtra Chief Minister warned about lockdown in some places of the state.

Also read: Lockdown in some places of Maharashtra, says CM Uddhav Thackeray