Maharashtra: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday held a televised conference where he expressed his concern over the growing number of COVID-19 cases in the state. During the press briefing, the chief minister said that there were 7,000 new Covid cases in Maharashtra on Sunday. He also informed that the new Covid wave is strongest in Amravati, Akola and Yavatmal area. “Will allow taking district authorities to bring restrictions as and when they feel,” CM Udhav said.

With total number of positive cases surging over 6,000 for the third consecutive day, Maharashtra has been witnessing the highest number of COVID cases in the country.  “If the (COVID-19) situation deteriorates, then we have to impose lockdown. Those who want lockdown can roam around without mask while those who don’t want it must wear mask and follow all the rules,” he said.

“We may have to bring a strict lockdown if we don’t follow discipline. Next 8 days will tell us if to bring lockdown back,” he said. In his address, CM Uddhav Thackeray said that COVID-19 raising its head in Maharashtra again. “We will know in 8 to 15 days if this is another wave,” Uddhav added.

“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 said that COVID-appropriate behaviour is a must and those violating the rules will be punished.

Key Takeaways From Uddhav Thackeray’s Address:

All religious, social and cultural programmes will be banned for next few days starting Monday.

The government plans to implement ‘I am responsible’ drive for self-discipline.

Many experts and government officials have blamed the laxity shown by people of the state for the resurgence of Covid-19 in Maharashtra.

The state government has started taking strict action against the management of wedding and banquet halls in Mumbai and other cities that are found violating Covid-19 norms.

State government will review the situation in th next eight days to decide whether a lockdown should be imposed.

“Should we impose another lockdown, I am asking you. It will all depend on the people of Maharashtra,” said Thackeray.

A week-long lockdown has already been announced in Amravati, one of the worst-affected districts in Maharashtra, which will come into force from Monday.

Lockdown, Restrictions in Amravati and Pune: Important Details

Pune: The Pune administration has enforced restriction on the movement of the people in the district. The crowd will not be allowed to come out of homes between 11 pm and 6 am however, people will be allowed to travel for the essential services.

Pointer 1: All schools and colleges in the Pune district will remain closed till February 28.

Pointer 2: Hotels, bars, and restaurants in Pune will be allowed to remain open till 11 pm.

Pointer 3: From 11 pm to 6 am, no public movement will be allowed in Pune, except those involved in essential activities/work

Amravati: Amid the spike in COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra, the state government has decided to impose a total lockdown in the Amravati district for one week.

1-week lockdown will be imposed in Amravati from 8pm on February 22, except Achalpur city

Akola:

Akola, Murtijapur and Akot will also be under lockdown from February 23 to March 1.

Night curfew to be in force in Nashik city between 11 pm and 5 am from Monday.