Religious and social gatherings banned in Maharashtra due to rising COVID-19 cases

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday announced that in view of the rising COVID-19 cases, all political, religious and social gatherings will be prohibited in the state from Monday. In his televised address, he also said that political agitations will not be allowed for the next few days as they attract crowd. “The pandemic is raising its head in the state, but whether it is another wave will be known in eight to 15 days,” he said. “Lockdown may not be the solution to COVID-19, but it is the only option to break the cycle of the virus,” he added. The address came on a day when Mumbai, continuing with the rising number of cases, recorded another huge spike of 921 Covid-19 infections in a span of 24 hours, according to state health department.

Here's a list of restrictions announced by Maharashtra CM in the wake of rising Covid-19 cases:

All religious, social and cultural programmes will be banned for next few days starting Monday.

The government also plans to implement 'I am responsible' drive for self discipline. Many experts and government officials have blamed the laxity shown by people of the state for resurgence of Covid-19 in Maharashtra. On Sunday, 16,154 people were fined for not wearing masks.

The state government has already started taking strict action against management of wedding and banquet halls in Mumbai and other cities who are found violating Covid-19 norms.
Thackeray also said that he has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to implement staggered office timings.

He further said that the state government will review the situation in th next eight days to decide whether a lockdown should be imposed. "Should we impose another lockdown, I am asking you. It will all depend on the people of Maharashtra," said Thackeray.

A week-long lockdown has already been announced in Amravati, one of the worst-affected districts in Maharashtra, which will come into force from Monday.

Pune authorities have also announced a night curfew in the city amid a fresh coronavirus spike in the region. No public movement will be allowed in Pune between 11 pm to 6 am except for essential services. Moreover, schools and colleges will also remain shut till February 28 and fresh guidelines will be issued on Monday,