Lockdown imposed in Maharashtra`s Nagpur from March 15 to 21 amid spike in COVID-19 cases

Amid an alarming spike in COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra, the state government has decided to impose a lockdown in Nagpur from March 15.

MUMBAI: Amid an alarming spike in COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra, the state government has now decided to impose a lockdown in Nagpur from March 15. The lockdown will remain in place till March 21. Only essential services will be allowed during the lockdown, according to the order issued by the Nagpur district administration.

Medical stores and other emergency services will continue to be exempted from the restrictions, the order said.

"Complete lockdown to remain imposed in Nagpur City Police Commissionerate area from March 15 to March 21. Essential services will continue," Nagpur Guardian Minister Nitin Raut said.

The Maharashtra government had on Wednesday imposed night curfew in two districts - Kalyan Dombivli and Nandurbar, while Dhule district administration called for a four day 'janata curfew' which comes into effect from March 10 amid a surge in the coronavirus cases, 

During the night curfew, bars and restaurants will serve customers till 9 PM only. However, home delivery will be allowed up to 10 PM. Medical stores and other emergency services will continue to be exempted from the restrictions.

The Aurangabad district on Sunday had ordered night restrictions from 9 pm to 6 am from 11 March to 4 April to contain the coronavirus spread. The Maharashtra Minister Eknath Shinde had hinted that there will be a full lockdown on weekends in the district most affected by the virus. 

Malls and weekly markets in these districts will be shut, weddings and public functions disallowed and restaurants will have to be shut at 9 pm, according to official reports.

According to the Union Health Ministry, India on Thursday reported 22,854 new Covid-19 cases, 126 fatalities, bringing the national infection tally to 1,12,85,961 while the death toll reached 1,58,189.

On Wednesday, India had reported 17,921 Covid-19 cases and 133 deaths. For the last two days, the number of fatalities has spiked, which earlier was hovering under 100. Maharashtra on Wednesday reported the highest daily new COVID-19 cases at 13,659 (almost 60 per cent of the daily new cases).