Coronavirus: Section 144 To Be Imposed In Maharashtra, No Flights To Land After Midnight

In an unprecedented move to stop the novel coronavirus, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra government on Sunday ordered to impose section 144 across the state. It is to be noted that section 144 in Maharashtra will be imposed starting March 22 midnight (from 12 AM tonight).

During a press conference in Mumbai, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray said that the state has entered into a very sensitive and important phase of Coronavirus Pandemic. He also urged people to take all precautions in the fight against COVID-19.

He further stated that all trains and buses in the state will be stopped after the imposition of Section 144. However, he clarified that banks, essential services, and stock exchanges will remain open. The Chief Minister also noted that only 5 per cent of employees will work in government offices and requested others to work from home. The chief minister has also banned the landing of all international flights in Maharashtra.

“I would like to request everyone to continue Janata Curfew till tomorrow morning. Number of cases has increased considerably. I have no option left but to apply Section 144 in Maharashtra. No flights outside of India will be allowed to land in Mumbai,” the Maharashtra CM said.

Meanwhile, Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) suspended manufacturing operations at its plants in Maharashtra to ensure employee safety and contain the spread of coronavirus.

Earlier today, Indian Railways announced the suspension of Mumbai’s local trains till March 31, 2020. The local train services in Mumbai will remain suspended from March 22 midnight to March 31 midnight.

The total number of coronavirus positive patients in Maharashtra has risen to 74 with 10 more positive cases reported in the last 24 hours. On Saturday, a 63-year-old patient lost his life in a private hospital in Mumbai. The patient had a chronic history of diabetes, high blood pressure, and ischemic heart disease. He developed acute respiratory distress syndrome. Importantly, this is a second death reported in Maharashtra due to coronavirus.

The death count in India has reached 6 due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus. Whereas, the positive cases for coronavirus in India has reached to 324.

Also Read: Coronavirus: Govt Extends Lockdown In 75 Affected Districts; Trains, Inter-State Buses Closed Till March 31

It is worth mentioning here that the novel coronavirus, which originated in China, has claimed thousands of lives across the world. With no known cure so far for the coronavirus, the deadly disease has become a major issue for the entire world.

(With PTI Inputs)

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