Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday declared lockdown style curfew to restrict the spread of COVID-19 as the state has been reporting the highest number of cases for weeks.
Prohibitory orders will be enforced around Maharashtra starting 8 pm tomorrow, an official order of the Maharashtra government read. No one will be permitted to travel out without valid reason, it said, adding, all establishments other than essential services will remain shut for the next 15 days.
The government's official order also stated that the decision will be taken on whether domestic helps, drivers and attendants can be included in the essential service sector ‘depending on local conditions’. The new set of rules will be implemented in Maharashtra starting 8 pm on April 14.
CM Uddhav Thackeray also demanded relaxation in GST from the Centre. He requested PM Narendra Modi to think about small businesses.
As soon as the CM in his address to the state declared new restrictions along with the relief package for the people, #MaharashtraWithCM made a buzz on Twitter. Many users on the micro-blogging site supported the decision taken by the CM. Here’s how #MaharashtraWithCM is trending on Twitter.
On Saturday, during an all-party meeting, CM Uddhav Thackeray had cautioned at the enforcement of an extended restrictions in the state to curtail the surge in cases. On Sunday, he also chaired a meeting with Maharashtra’s task force to discuss the development of medical facilities in the state.
Health Minister of the state, Rajesh Tope on Monday also warned people to get ready to face stringent restrictions. Meanwhile, Maharashtra on Tuesday reported 60,212 new COVID-19 cases. The state has so far reported over 34 lakh COVID cases with at least 58,245 fatalities. Maharashtra has administered COVID-19 vaccine doses to over one crore people till date.
