Maharashtra Becomes the First State in India to Impose Statewide Curfew in Maharashtra for 15 Days

On Tuesday 13th April, Maharashtra has become the first state in India to impose a high level of restrictions to counter exponentially rising Covid cases in the state. From Tomorrow it will be 15 days restrictions in Maharashtra,

Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray announces section 144 for the next 15 days, only essential shops to remain open from 7am to 8pm and local buses to be used only by essential workers.

Maharashtra is witnessing an unprecedented surge in Covid-19 cases. CM of Maharashtra began by wishing Happy Gudi Padwa and talking about the Covid situation in the state. While he assured the state and gave an overview of the availability of oxygen and other medical infrastructure including ICU beds and ventilators, he focused on the need to make crucial decisions.

“Maharashtra has recorded more than 60,000 cases today. It’s a very serious situation. The Covid-19 situation was quite controlled till December-January. Pressure on us now. We are facing an oxygen shortage. I am trying to get everyone on board. For how long can we discuss, without coming to a decision?,” said Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray while addressing the State today on social media live platforms.

“Remdesivir demand has suddenly increased. Now, manufacturers will take time to increase production. I have requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to please give us more oxygen.

Industries have already started giving us oxygen. But will need permission from the Centre to get oxygen from other States. We have been allowed to get oxygen from Eastern states. Factories are hundreds of km away. We want an uninterrupted supply. Give orders to Air Force to help us get oxygen by air. I have requested the Prime Minister.

This is an emergency situation. I will call the Prime Minister for this demand,” said Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

Lockdown like restrictions for Maharashtra

“Section 144 being imposed for next 15 days in a way of ‘Janta Curfew’. This will come into effect from 8 pm tomorrow. All necessary services will continue. Public transport is not shut but restricted to only emergency service providers. Health, Pharma, Transporters, Vaccines producers, animal-related shops will remain open,” said Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray while addressing the State today.

Essential services to be allowed from 7 am to 8 pm. Public transport to be open for essential service workers. Hotels, Restaurants will be permitted to service customers via home delivery only.

Please don’t call the new restrictions in Maharashtra a lockdown. Don’t create an atmosphere of fear in the general public as a lockdown. These are new rules, not lockdowns.