Given the rising Covid-19 cases, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has announced a series of strict restrictions in the state till 1 May including the imposition of Section 144 from today. Thackeray avoided using the term lockdown for the new restrictions in the state, instead termed the measures a Janata Curfew.
Thackeray, who addressed the people of the state, said the government was imposing “strict restrictions” which will come into effect from 8 pm on 14 April. “Section 144 to be imposed in the entire state from tomorrow. I will not term this as lockdown,” he said.
Section 144 prevents the gathering of four or more persons. All restrictions will apply till 7 am on May 1.
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!) All establishments, public places, activities will remain closed in the state.
2) Only essential services will be exempted, and their operations to be unrestricted.
3) Cinema halls, theatres, auditoriums, amusement parks, gyms, sports complexes will remain closed till Section 144 is imposed in the state.
4) Local train and bus services will be allowed for essential services only.
5) Hotels and restaurants will allow only take-away home deliveries.
6) Petrol pumps, financial institutions associated with SEBI, and construction work will continue.
7) Shooting for films, serial, ads will remain suspended in Maharashtra from 8 pm, April 14 till 7 am May 1.
8) All shops, malls, shopping centres not performing essential services will also remain closed during this time.
9) All places of worship, schools, and colleges, private coaching classes, barbershops, spas, salons, and beauty parlous will remain closed from 14 April till 7 am on May 1.
10) E-commerce will be only allowed for the delivery of essential goods and services.
11) No religious, social, cultural or political functions allowed.
Maharashtra on Tuesday reported 60,212 fresh coronavirus positive cases, taking the tally to 35,19,208 while 281 fatalities pushed the toll to 58,526, the state health department said. Uddhav Thackeray said Maharashtra’s Covid-19 number was “frightening”. There are 5,93,042 active cases in the state. Several districts in Maharashtra including the capital Mumbai are severely hit by the second wave of Covid-19 infections.
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