MUMBAI: The Mumbai Metropolitan Region is moving towards an apparent lockdown as two new cases were reported on Thursday, March 19. The number of coronavirus cases in Mumbai is now 8. The positive cases in the State have risen to 47.
Of the two cases, a 22-year-old woman who had returned from the UK tested positive, and the other patient, a 49-year-old woman had a travel history to Dubai.
Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has already ordered a reduction in number of suburban trains and buses. Citizens would not be permitted to stand in public transport and seating would be arranged to maintain a safe distance between them.
The beaches in Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg have an empty look. Places of worship in Mumbai have shut their doors for devotees.
The State has entered into a partial shutdown with all schools, colleges, malls, theatres, cinemas, gyms and swimming pools closed till March 31. CM Thackeray appealed to those who have been advised home quarantine to voluntarily refrain from stepping out in public to prevent risk to others.
Mumbai’s partial shutdown
BrihanMumbai Municipal Commissioner Pravin Pardeshi issued orders to keep areas shut during a certain period and shops to be kept open at alternate timings. On Thursday, there was a total shutdown in parts of Dadar, Prabhadevi and Mahim.
Ban on sale of tobacco in Thane
Thane Collector Rajesh Narvekar issued an order banning sale of tobacco and tobacco-related products in the district to prevent people from spitting in public places. On Wednesday, the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation hiked the fine for spitting in public places to Rs 1,000 from Rs 200.
No prayer at religious place in Mira Bhayandar
Mira Bhayandar Municipal Commissioner Chandrakant Dange has asked leaders of all religions to shut religious places to avoid crowding. There are many religious places in Mira Bhayandar area, and on Sunday, many gather for prayers. This order will stop the gathering, Dange said.
Dabbawalas take a break
Mumbai’s famed dabbawalas have suspended their tiffin courier services from Friday, March 20. Mumbai Dabbawala Association Spokesperson Subhash Talekar said that to prevent spread of coronavirus, the tiffin service has been suspended on directives from the State government. “We have decided to suspend our services from tomorrow (March 20) till March 31. We plan to resume operations from April 1,” Talekar said.
There are around 5,000 dabbawalas who ferry over 2,00,000 lunch boxes to and from homes-offices to lakhs of office-goers and students.
Kalyan Dombivali Corporation shuts shops
Kalyan Dombivali Municipal Corporation (KDMC) issued orders to all establishments to down their shutters from Friday, March 20 to March 31. Essential commodity shops -- bakery, milk dairy, grocery, medical, hospitals and clinics, and vegetable shops are exempted. KDMC Commissioner Vijay Suryavanshi said this is an initiative to curb crowds.
