Maharashtra heads for full lockdown as checks fail to curb Covid numbers

As coronavirus cases rise despite the state govt imposing partial restrictions, Maharashtra is now heading for a full lockdown where even essential services could be curtailed. Several Covid-19 affected districts, including Mumbai, have decided to impose tougher restrictions.

In Aurangabad and Solapur, essential services shop would be allowed to open till 1pm only. The Ahmednagar administration, too, has announced that for the next 14 days, barring medical shops, all essential businesses, including petrol pumps, would be allowed to open only for four hours. In Pune, all shops, barring medical units, were shut today. In Ratnagiri, all essential shops have been shut and only home deliveries are allowed. In Nashik, cabinet minister Chaggan Bhujbal had supported the need for a complete lockdown.

Maharashtra government officials have said that they would be taking stock of the situation and that tougher restrictions like the ones in Ahmednagar and Solapur might be introduced in the entire state.

Restrictions have been imposed in Mumbai too. In Powai, Bhandup and Kanjurmarg, the municipal corporation has said that all shops, excluding medical stores, would allowed to be open from 8am to 12pm from Monday. The restriction will continue till April 30. The order also applies to food stalls and road-side hawkers. Home deliveries are allowed. Mumbai police too has got its act together and has issued colour coded travel passes for those stepping outof their home.