Uddhav Thackeray Clears Air Over 'Full Lockdown' Rumours In Maharashtra; Here's What He Said

The Chief Minister's Office on Friday afternoon tweeted from its official handle saying that the CM has appealed to the people to refrain from crowding.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. (Image: Twitter/ Maharashtra CMO)

Mumbai: Continuous surge in cases of Coronavirus in Maharashtra has raised several concerns as well as few rumours among the people. It has been observed that in past few days, there were number of messages being circulated on WhatsApp and social media claiming that the state government will again enforce an absolute lockdown in Maharashtra from June 15.  Upon acknowledging the development, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray warned people to be aware of rumours and clarified that the viral social media posts claiming lockdown happening from June 15 are not true. The Chief Minister's Office on Friday afternoon tweeted from its official handle saying that the CM has appealed to the people to refrain from crowding. "The lockdown has not been reimposed. CM Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray has appealed to the people to refrain from crowding. He has earnestly requested them to follow the Govt's instructions and take necessary precautions to stay safe and take care," the Maharashtra CMO tweeted.

The lockdown has not been reimposed. CM Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray has appealed to the people to refrain from crowding. He has earnestly requested them to follow the Govt's instructions and take necessary precautions to stay safe and take care.

— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) June 12, 2020

This comes two days after Chief Minister of Maharashtra Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday said that the state has moved towards unlocking but if the coronavirus situation in the country worsens again, the lockdown can be extended. He said that restrictions have been lifted but if people do not follow the guidelines, the strict lockdown rules can again be imposed in the state. Earlier this week, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had announced amendments for extension of lockdown and issued revised guidelines in respect to easing of restrictions and phase-wise opening of economic activities. As per the official notice, BMC allowed all markets, market areas, and shops to open for the full working hours from Monday to Saturday, except market complexes and malls. However, BMC said that the shops and markets on one side of the road will open on one day, while those on the other side will open the next day. Till date, Maharashtra has remained the worst-hit state in the country with total inching close to 95,000 mark with 94,041 total cases including 3,438 deaths and 44,517 recoveries. It is followed by Tamil Nadu (36,841) and the national capital on the third number. Delhi has a total number of 34,687 cases and 1,085 deaths.