In a stringent move to contain the spread of Covid-19, the Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday has announced lockdown-like curbs in the state for the next 15 days. The curbs will come into effect from April 14 and will remain enforced till May 1. During this period, no social gatherings can be organized however, only essential activities will ply to break the chain of the rising infection cases in the state.
While addressing the state, CM said, "Covid infections now are more detrimental than the first wave. It is now exploding dangerously."
"The war has begun again against increasing Covid-19 infections," he added.
"Unfortunately I have to announce restrictions. Now is the time for action. I am not saying (there will be) a lockdown just now, but there will be strict restrictions. I know bread and butter is important but saving lives is important too," said the Chief Minister.
The war which will begin tomorrow would witness enforcement of Section 144, which prohibits the gathering of more than four people, across Maharashtra and only essential travel and services are permitted to function, said CM Thackeray. He has also urged the public to observe 'Janata Curfew' voluntarily and to opt for work from home amidst the sudden upsurge in Covid cases.
Notably, the essential services related to health care, banks, media, e-Commerce can only operate from 7 am to 8 pm, CM stressed.
All the shopping centers, malls, film shoots, beaches will remain shut for the public for the next 15 days. Existing curbs will have to be followed by the hotels and restaurants, which allow only home delivery and takeaways.
Shopkeepers and other essential workers will have to abide by the latest norms to avoid strict action on them. The Maharashtra government has also restricted the number of people in political gatherings, weddings, and funerals.
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Maharashtra on Tuesday has recorded the highest ever Covid-19 cases spike since the pandemic began i.e. 60,212 with 281 fatalities.
"This is scary," CM said.
On the other hand, CM has also sought the army's help in tackling the oxygen and medicine shortage in the state.
"We are using (oxygen stocks) to the hilt. I told PM (Prime Minister Narendra Modi), looking at the condition, that in the coming days we will need oxygen. We are requesting the PM that instead of bringing the oxygen by road if we can take the military's help and get it via air," CM Thackeray said.
In lieu of the potential threat which virus could possess, CM Thackeray had already postponed the Class 10 and 12 state board exams, however, "we can't postpone the exam we are facing currently and it is one we have to pass with flying colors."