Mumbai: With a fresh spike in coronavirus cases in the Vidarbha region, Maharashtra on Thursday warned the people to be cautious and imposed weekend lockdown in Amravati where such cases have multiplied recently.
Media reports said the district administration announced a weekend lockdown in Amravati, from 8 pm on Saturday to 7 am on Monday, during which markets and other establishments will remain shut.
However, essential services will remain unaffected.
Amravati District Collector Shailesh Naval said that, even on weekdays, all establishments, including hotels and restaurants, would stay open only till 8 pm. Earlier, they closed at 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 behavior,” Naval said.
“Swimming pools and indoor games, too, will remain closed, while only five people will be allowed at religious ceremonies,” he said.
On Wednesday, Maharashtra reported 4,787 new COVID-19 cases, 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.
Some other districts in the Vidarbha region have also registered a steady rise in COVID-19 cases in the recent weeks, media said.
(VP)