Maharashtra bans gatherings as the cases rise; warns for another lockdown

Rising Covid Cases in Maharashtra

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray reimposed strict restrictions following the inevitable surge in COVID 19 cases in the state since the last 20 days. The state government reiterated the set of covid guidelines and urged the citizens to abide by them to avoid another lockdown which is paving its way amid this unexpected and unregulated situation. The times in which the world is apparently healing from the ravages of pandemic after a year long struggle and development of vaccines, state wasn't prepared for this spike.

In his address on Television over the deteriorating situation, Thackeray declared to ban all social, religious and political gatherings in state from Monday. Throwing light on adversities he said that daily cases has risen from 2500 to 7000 in 15 days. Since last week daily case count soared to more than 3000 while death toll also surged in various areas. "The pandemic is once again spreading its roots but it will take 8 to 15 days to treat it as a second wave," he said. He sought the citizens to adhere to "Covid Appropriate" behaviour while he will analyse the situation for next 15 days before making the decision to enforce lockdown. He mandated wearing masks and practice of social distancing. "A lot of hard work and sacrifices brought the pandemic under control and any negligence now could lead us back to square one," the CM said.

Several worst hit areas and districts are the prime focus of government where measures have been adopted to curb down the surfacing infections. On Sunday, Pune District Administration imposed restrictions on movement of people from 11am to 6pm for non essential activities. Schools, colleges and coaching institutions have been closed till February 28 while hotels and restaurants are instructed to shut down by 11pm. Re-establishment of containment zones, increased contact tracing and daily testing, setting up of COVID 19 care centers and stern norms for conduct of weddings or any social gathering are some of the measures adopted by government to counter the spread of virus.

Nashik too announced night curfew from 11pm to 5am. While in Amravati, a full fledged lockdown has been implemented for one week, permitting essential services only. Maharashtra relief and rehabilitation minister Vijay Wadettiwar said that night curfew can take effect throughout the state.