Yahoo Finance Weekend curbs in 2 Maharashtra districts as COVID-19 cases spike
The Maharashtra government has imposed strict curbs on Sunday in Amravati and Yavatmal - districts in the Vidarbha region - from Saturday 8 pm to Monday 7 am, sources said.
In view of the rising COVID-19 cases, the district administration on Thursday announced a weekend lockdown in Amravati, from 8 pm on Saturday to 7 am on Monday, a period during which markets and other establishments will remain shut.
While in Yavatmal, the district collector said, only a partial lockdown will be imposed and large public gatherings won't be allowed, Amravati will face a complete lockdown for the day. However, essential services will remain unaffected, it said.
Collector Shailesh Naval said on weekdays, all establishments, including hotels and restaurants, would stay open only till 8 pm (from earlier 10 pm).
'In view of a spurt in COVID-19 cases, I have decided to impose a weekend lockdown in the district. To avoid any stricter lockdown in the future, I appeal to people to follow COVID-19 appropriate behaviour,' Naval said.
He said during the weekend lockdown all markets and other establishments will remain shut.
'Swimming pools and indoor games, too, will remain closed, while only five people will be allowed at religious ceremonies,' he said.
Of late, Maharashtra has been witnessing a steady rise in COVID-19 cases.
Mumbai has seen a spike in COVID-19 cases since local train services have resumed for the general public. On Wednesday, the city recorded 721 fresh cases, the highest single-day since January 7.
The state reported 4,787 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, the highest one-day count in more than two months.
Among districts, Amravati reported 230 cases on Wednesday, a sharp rise from 82 infections registered on Tuesday.
A few other districts in the Vidarbha region have also registered a steady rise in COVID-19 cases in the recent weeks.
Restrictions are being put in place in Yavatmal district due to rising COVID19 cases. It is not a lockdown, District Collector MD Singh was quoted by ANI as saying.
As the lockdown will be imposed in Yavatmal from Saturday, the district administration has also denied permission for a “Maha Panchayat” of Rakesh Tikait scheduled for February 20.
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