Coronavirus: ‘We’re At A War Against Virus’ Says Uddhav As Total Positive Cases In Maharashtra Jump To 49

Coronavirus: Mass gatherings in St Michael's Church at Mahim in Mumbai have been suspended till March 31 in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak.

MUMBAI, INDIA - MARCH 12: CM Uddhav Thackeray (Photo by Anshuman Poyrekar via Getty Images)

New Delhi: Stating that the country is at a “war against Coronavirus,” Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday urged the people of the state not to step out of their homes in order to help contain the spread of coronavirus. "This is a war against a virus and we can win it with determination and not by getting frightened or creating panic," Thackeray said in his 10-minute-long televised address. Thackeray said that after an appeal made by the government, the number of people visiting public places and using public transport system has gone down. He, however, said that it must stop completely. "People should not panic. But they should not step out of their homes unnecessarily...Crowding in public transport system has gone down, but it has to stop completely. We don't wish to take the drastic step of shutting down public transport. But non-essential travel must stop," he said. The medical staff, police personnel, NGOs, staff of public transport were working round-the-clock to deal with the situation, he said. The chief minister said he had spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the coronavirus situation and he had assured all cooperation to the state. Positive cases reach 49 in Maharashtra Total number of positive cases has reached 49 in Maharashtra, said Rajesh Tope, State Minister of Public Health and Family Welfare.  Two patients who have been tested positive for Coronavirus are on ventilator at Kasturba Hospital, he said. Haji Ali Dargah in Mumbai to remain closed till further orders: Haji Ali Dargah in Mumbai to remain closed till further orders, in wake of coronavirus, in a bid to prevent public gathering. Masses at Mahim church suspended till Mar 31:  Mass gatherings in St Michael's Church at Mahim in Mumbai have been suspended till March 31 in the wake coronavirus outbreak, one of its members said on Thursday. Also Check: No Community Spread In India Yet, 826 Samples Checked By ICMR Test Negative Thousands of people gather at the Mahim Church for Sunday and Wednesday masses. But Cardinal Oswald Gracias, the Archbishop of Bombay, has exempted Catholics from attending churches till March 31, an active member of the Mahim Church, Rita D'Sa, told PTI on Thursday. "Hence, mass gatherings on Wednesdays and Sundays have been suspended at St Michael's Church till March 31 and prayers on both these dayswould be streamed on YouTube. Three weeks later, we will take a review of the situation," she said. Also Watch: