Gatherings banned in Maharashtra amid rise in COVID-19 cases, state govt warns of stricter lockdown

All public functions, including government, religious, political, and social events will be banned in Maharashtra from today as chief minister Uddhav Thackeray warned of a “stricter lockdown” if Covid-19 rules are flouted.

Giving slogan of “wear masks, say no to lockdown”, the CM said that almost 7,000 daily cases are worrying and it would be clear in a fortnight if Maharashtra is witnessing a second wave.

“If the (Covid-19) situation deteriorates, then we have to impose lockdown. Those who want lockdown can roam around without mask while those who don’t want it must wear mask and follow all the rules,” Uddhav said.

However, despite the rising cases and the chief minister’s warning, people were still seen flouting social distancing norms at Sitabuldi main road in Nagpur on Sunday. Mumbai police said, on the other hand, is now authorised to issue challans to violators for not wearing masks.