‘People Violating COVID Rules, Prepare For Lockdown-Like Restrictions’: Uddhav Thackeray Amid Spike In Coronavirus Cases

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday warned of lockdown-like restrictions. He said that the COVID cases are rising because people are not following guidelines seriously.

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Amid continuous surge in the number of Coronavirus cases in the state, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday warned of "lockdown-like restrictions”, saying people were not following safety rules.

At a high-level meeting today, attended by Health Minister Rajesh Tope, Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte, doctors of the COVID-19 task force and other officials, the Chief Minister reportedly expressed concerns over the rising number of Coronavirus cases in the state. Uddhav said that the COVID cases are rising because people are not following guidelines seriously. 

According to reports, the officials of the task force said that the upward trend of cases may also lead to a rise in Covid-related deaths in the state.

Taking note of the fresh spike in COVID-19 cases, the Chief Minister directed the officials and administration to prepare a plan to impose restrictions similar to lockdown if people continue to violate the rules.

He also said that if the private establishments are not adhering to the 50 per cent attendance rule, the state administration shall impose lockdown.

Meanwhile, in view of the unabated rise in COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra, a night curfew will be imposed in the state starting from 8 PM. Gatherings of more than five people will not be allowed from 8 pm to 7 am effective from midnight on 27th March. Violation will attract a penalty of Rs 1,000 per person. An official statement said the local authorities should ensure that shopping malls remain shut between 8 pm and 7 am.

Among the other strict measures to curb the spread of deadly COVID-19, the state government has decided to increase the fine from the existing Rs 200 to Rs 500 on anyone found without a mask in public. Any person found to be spitting in public places will be fined an amount of Rs 1000.