Maharashtra: Coronavirus Cases Rise To 89 In State, Biggest Single-Day Surge So Far

The number of coronavirus cases in Maharashtra shot up to 89 on Monday with 14 new cases being reported. Meanwhile, section 144 came into force in several cities in state and will remain in effect till March 31. According to news agency IANS, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope warned that the state was on the threshold of a 'multiplication stage' of the virus. He urged people to strictly remain indoors as saying this was the stage to exercise extreme precaution.

"This is the stage to exercise extreme precaution since we don’t want to enter from Phase II to Phase III at any cost," he said.

This is the biggest spurt of positive cases in a single day from 74 on Sunday to 89 on Monday. A 63-year old man died on Saturday in a Mumbai hospital, the second victim of COVID-19 last week in the state.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led government has also suspended the intercity state transport and private bus services while extending the section 144 till March 31 in several cities.

Many parts of India were placed under complete lockdown starting Sunday as the country stepped up its efforts to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus outbreak. All services, apart from those deemed essential, in 13 states and 80 district will remain closed till March 31 while passenger trains, metros and interstate buses have been shut for the rest of the months.(With Agency Inputs)