The scourge of coronavirus continued unabated in Maharashtra with one death and one new case detected each in Mumbai, Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, taking the total positive cases to 41, even as the state government opted against a near-total lockdown on Tuesday.
"There are a total of 26 males and 15 women admitted to various hospitals around the state. The condition of all patients is stable and they are responding to treatment," Thackeray informed mediapersons.
Mumbai exhaled a collective sigh of relief as the CM said he had decided against suspending the suburban local trains and bus services for the present.
But, in the same breath, he also warned that after reviewing the situation over the next couple of days, he would not hesitate to take the extraordinary measure if the crowds don't reduce in trains and buses.
"We have reviewed the statewide situation arising out of coronavirus. I did not take the decision to shut down public transport for now. But I again appeal to all people to avoid any unnecessary travel for the next few days," Thackeray.
The CM asserted there is no move to shut down government work, but efforts are on to ensure all work is carried out with minimum number of staff to avoid overcrowding.
He called upon the private sector to implement 'work-from-home'.
( With inputs from IANS )