Pune: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday hinted that lockdown will be imposed in some regions of Maharashtra amid sudden spike in cases of novel coronavirus. Also, the central government on Thursday made the revelation that 8 out of the top 10 worst COVID-hit districts in India are located in Maharashtra.
While Pune tops with maximum new cases, Mumbai, Thane, Nagpur are the other districts of the state with highest cases in India, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said at a NITI Aayog COVID-19 status presentation on Thursday.
With CM Thackeray already given full authority to the district Collectors to inforce lockdown, many districts in the state are now enforcing strict forms of restrictions such as Janata Curfew, weekend lockdown and more.
Here is the list of districts in Maharashtra which have imposed stricter restrictions such as lockdown recently:
Pune
Pune which was under scanner finally on Friday imposed new restrictions on operation of cafes, restaurants and bars, public gardens and function halls to curtail the further spread. The decision was taken after a review meeting chaired by Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, who also happens to be the Guardian Minister for Pune.
The dine-in facility at restaurants, cafes and bars will be closed at 10 pm. However, these establishments can continue the food delivery service till 11 pm. On the other side, schools and colleges will remain shut till March 31. More than 50 guests will not be allowed for religious functions and social gatherings such as wedding.
Also read: Pune enforces strict COVID-19 guidelines; check new timings for restaurants, shopping malls
Nagpur
From Monday, winter capital of Maharashtra will go under a stringent lockdown for a week. The lockdown will remain in place till March 21. Apart from emergency services, government offices have been permitted to function at 25 per cent capacity. The lockdown has been reinforced in all the areas that come under the Nagpur Police Commissionerate.
Nashik
Nashik has forced a few restrictions as infection is soaring in the district. Shops and establishments, apart from those engaged in essential services, will remain shut between 7pm to 7am. Also, schools, colleges and coaching classes in Nashik, Malegaon, Niphad and Nandgaon will remain shut from March 10 till further notice.
Aurangabad
Aurangabad too will observe strict restrictions. The administration here declared that sheritage sites like Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Bibi Ka Maqbara and Daultabad Fort will remain shut till April 4. Markets will remain closed on weekends too but essential services are allowed. No marriage ceremonies will be held in this time period. Also, malls and theatres will remain shut on Saturday-Sunday.
Also read: Maharashtra has 8 of India’s top worst-hit districts; Pune, Mumbai report highest cases
Thane
A lockdown was announced at 16 hotspots under Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) from March 9. According to reports, there are many popular residential complexes that are on the list of hotspots here. As per the order issued by the Municipal Commissioner, all restrictions that were imposed during the nationwide lockdown will be in place in these areas.
Parbhani
The lockdown was imposed in the Parbhani district on Friday. "Due to the increase in COVID-19 cases in Parbhani, we have decided that lockdown will be imposed tonight from 12 am up to Monday morning at 6 am. We appeal to the people of Parbhani and other neighbouring districts, to cooperate," Nawab Malik, Maharashtra cabinet minister, ANI tweeted.
Jalgaon
Jalgaon is also witnessing a spike in new COVID cases. Jalgaon is already witnessing Janata Curfew from March 11, which will remain in place till March 15. Emergency services are exempt from the curfew.
