Maharashtra to impose weekend lockdown from Friday

The Maharashtra government is set to impose a weekend lockdown from 8 pm on Friday to 7 am on Monday amid a surge in COVID-19 cases in the state, reported PTI. Night curfew will also be put in place from 8 pm to 7 am daily and only essential services will be permitted during the period, Minority Affairs Minister and NCP leader Nawab Malik told reporters after the cabinet meeting.

“Apart from the weekend lockdown, strict restrictions will be in force from 8 pm tomorrow, under which shopping malls, bars, restaurants, small shops will be open only for take-aways and parcels. Government offices will be allowed to function only at 50 per cent of their capacity,” he said.

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Restaurants will be permitted only for take away services. Office employees will have to work from home. 

Theatres will be shut, while film and television shootings will continue if there is no crowding. Parks and playgrounds will also be closed, he said.

Religious places will have to follow the SoPs, Malik said, adding that that public transport system will remain functional.

Maharashtra on Saturday reported 49,447 new COVID-19 cases, the highest rise in a day so far, taking the tally to 29,53,523 while 277 fatalities pushed the toll to 55,656, the state health department said.