Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray does not wish to impose a lockdown but is feeling helpless due to the situation, the rising COVID-19 cases in the city have posed.
"I do not want to impose lockdown in the state but 'majboori' is also something," the chief minister said during a press conference in Mumbai, on February 28, quoted ANI.
A week ago on February 21, when the CM addressed the state, he expressed his disinterest towards imposing any sudden lockdown and had said that any decision on the same will be taken 8-10 days later, depending on the situation.
Just like last time, this time as well, Thackeray has urged people of the state to wear masks to avoid lockdown. However, the chief minister assured that he is continuously monitoring the situation.
Other cities in the state like Amravati, Pune, Yavatmal have all extended the period of lockdowns or night curfew that was imposed.
Pune has extended the restrictions imposed earlier. District Mayor Murlidhar Mohol said on Sunday that all schools, colleges, and private coaching classes will remain shut in the district until March 14. In addition to this, no public movement will also be allowed between 11 pm to 6 am.
Follow our LIVE blog for updates on the COVID-19 pandemic
A curfew was imposed in the Yavatmal district on February 26. The restriction will remain in effect from 5 pm on February 27 to 9 am on March 1. Essential services will continue to be offered.
Amravati district has also extended the lockdown by another week till 8 March, officials said, while restrictions have been imposed for the weekend in Nagpur and Buldhana.
Maharashtra had been witnessing an upsurge in Covid-19 cases for the last few days. On February 28, it reported 8,293 new coronavirus cases, 3,753 recoveries, and 62 deaths in the last 24 hours, the state health department informed. A total of 52,154 people have died due to Covid-19 in the state so far. As many as 20,24,704 people have recovered from the disease.
According to the state health department, the recovery rate in Maharashtra is 93.95 percent and the fatality rate is 2.42 percent.
(With updates from agencies)
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
