Maha CM Ajit Pawar warns of fresh lockdown in state, decision after April 2 meet

New Delhi: As the Coronavirus cases continue to spell disaster in Maharashtra and show no signs of abatement, the state government is considering fresh lockdown in the state to stem its spread.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Friday issued a lockdown warning and said that if situation doesn’t improve, the state may witness such measures.

“If the COVID-19 situation in the state does not improve, the state government could consider imposing a lockdown when it meets on April 2 to take stock of the situation,” Maharashtra Deputy CM told TimesNow.

The remarks came hours ahead of a scheduled meeting between Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and all state District Collectors to review the coronavirus situation in the state.

Maharashtra has been witnessing an upsurge in Covid-19 cases over the past few weeks with over 31,000 cases being recorded on Thursday.
Localised lockdowns have already been imposed in several areas of Maharashtra like Nagpur.

Strictly adhere to Covid-19 norms: Pawar’s appeal

After a review meeting of Covid-19 situation in Pune, Ajit Pawar said,”Strict restrictions have been imposed for Holi festival. There should not be overcrowding during Holi throughout the state.”

He also went on to warn people to strictly follow the social distancing norms in order to avoid a strict lockdown. “Else from next week, adversely affected areas will face a strict lockdown,” said Ajit Pawar.

“All officials, medical experts and people who attended this meeting are of the opinion that if the positive patients’ numbers go on increasing, then we won’t have any option but to go for a strict lockdown again,” said Ajit Pawar.