All gatherings banned in Maharashtra from Monday on account of COVID-19 spike: CM Uddhav

Thane police made bulletins on Sunday that anyone not sporting masks or failing to observe social distancing norms will likely be fined Rs 500 (Express picture by Deepak Joshi)

With COVID-19 circumstances on the rise, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has mentioned all political, non secular and social gatherings will likely be prohibited in Maharashtra from Monday.
The resolution comes at a time when Maharashtra is as soon as once more witnessing a spike within the variety of COVID-19 circumstances. Six districts — Ratnagiri, Beed, Sindhudurg, Raigad, Satara and Amravati — have witnessed a noticeable rise in common every day deaths.
For the previous week, greater than 200 COVID-19 circumstances are being reported every day within the state.
In a televised tackle, Thackeray mentioned that political agitations won’t be allowed for the following few days as they appeal to crowds. “The pandemic is raising its head in the state, but whether it is another wave will be known in eight to 15 days,” he mentioned.
“Lockdown may not be the solution to COVID-19, but it is the only option to break the cycle of the virus,” he added.
The chief minister mentioned that COVID-appropriate behaviour is a should and people violating the foundations will likely be punished. According to him, a face masks is the one “shield” within the battle towards coronavirus. “Wear mask, maintain discipline and observe social distancing to avoid a lockdown,” Thackeray mentioned.
Due to the spike within the variety of circumstances, Amravati district in Maharashtra’s Vidarbha area will likely be positioned underneath a week-long lockdown from 8 pm on February 22, minister Yashomati Thakur mentioned on Sunday. The lockdown will likely be in drive until 8 am on March 1, Thakur added.
Apart from the week-long lockdown in Amravati, sure restrictions will likely be in place in 4 different districts of Amravati division — Akola, Washim, Buldhana and Yavatmal — with a view to curb the unfold of the virus, an official mentioned.
Health consultants and authorities officers are placing the onus for the surge on individuals not sporting face masks and violating social distancing norms.
In Pune, the district administration has determined to implement sure curbs, together with restriction on motion of individuals from 11 pm to six am for non-essential actions. Schools and schools have been closed until February 28, whereas resorts and eating places should shut their institutions by 11 pm every single day.
[With inputs from PTI]