Maharashtra CM invokes Section 144 for 15 days throughout state; severe curbs from tomorrow

In an attempt to contain the unprecedented spread of coronavirus, Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray announced new restrictions from 8pm tomorrow. He also invoked Section 144 in the entire state for 15 days.

He said the government is continuously upgrading the healthcare infrastructure but it is under pressure. “There is a shortage of medical oxygen, beds and the demand for Remdesivir has also increased,” he said.

The state government is also working out a way in which the currently short supply of oxygen, medicines and antiviral injection remdesivir can be streamlined, and additional beds are being arranged in many districts, said the CM.


Breaking down the new restrictions
-All establishments, public places will remain closed except essential services
- No lockdown in Maharashtra but strict restrictions from 8pm tomorrow
- Section 144 imposed in the state.
- Public transport to be be functional only for essential workers and in emergency and essential activities for general public
- Only essential services to function from 7 am to 8 pm
- All essential industries to function at full capacity
- Road side vendors to function 7am to 8pm, but no-one will be allowed to eat there. They will have to give as take away.
- Private vehicles can ply only for essential/emergency purposes
- All shops/malls not performing essential services to remain closed

Also read - Maharashtra curfew: Here's everything on new curbs that kick in from tomorrow

Addressing an all-party meeting last week, Chief Minister Thackeray had hinted at the imposition of an extended lockdown in the state to curb the surge in cases.

Maharashtra had reported the highest 63,294 infections on Sunday, but the cases dropped to 51,751 on Monday. The overall death toll in the state is 58,245 as of Monday, according to the state health department. Yesterday, the Maharashtra government postponed the state board exams of Classes 10 and 12 scheduled later this month.

The state has also complained of vaccine shortage and has repeatedly requested the Centre to send a bigger batch of vaccines to the state.