Coronavirus Pandemic: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has announced a major shutdown in the state from midnight. In a statement in the Maharashtra assembly, Thackeray said that gyms, cinema halls, swimming pools and theatres will be closed in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur. The CM also appealed to the people to avoid visiting the malls, which will remain open.
Thackeray said that 17 people were found positive for Coronavirus infection. The Maharashtra government has declared coronavirus to be an epidemic in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
Thackeray said the government was invoking the Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897 from midnight.
In Pimpri-Chinchwad near Pune, schools are to remain closed except for examinations.
"Next 15 days are important," said Uddhav Thackeray.
Thackeray said that state government wants to increase the number of testing centres for which it would need permission from the Central Government. He said that he has written a letter to the centre about this.
Uddhav Thackeray clarified that railway and bus services cannot be stopped as they are vital for daily life. But he said that precautions are necessary.
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(with PTI inputs)
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