COVID-19 restrictions in Maharashtra: The government of Maharashtra imposed COVID-19 restrictions on its Amravati and Yavatmal districts due to the rising COVID-19 cases.
However, a strict lockdown has been restored on Amravati, and a partial one on Yavatmal. The lockdown will commence from 8 pm on Saturday, and will continue till Monday morning.
"I advise all the people of the district to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines failing which strict action will be taken by the concerned authorities," said Shailesh Naval, the district collector of Amravati. All public facilities like swimming pools and markets will remain shut.
Maharashtra | "Owing to rising cases, lockdown declared in Amravati District from Saturday 8pm to Monday 7 am": Shelesh Naval, District Collector, Amravati pic.twitter.com/iTIIWxXKnu
— ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2021
COVID-19 restrictions tightened in Yavatmal
MD Singh, the district collector of Yavatmal said that no lockdown will be imposed there. However, the required COVID-19 restrictions have been restored. Public gatherings won't be allowed, and schools and colleges will remain closed.
Maharashtra | Restrictions are being put in place in Yavatmal district due to rising COVID19 cases. It is not a lockdown: District Collector MD Singh
— ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2021
Both the districts have experienced a sudden spike in the COVID-19 cases, and so the restrictions had to be imposed.
Uddhav Thackeray, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra has directed officials to fine people and organisations for flouting COVID-19 guidelines.
"If people do not wear masks or follow COVID-19 rules, then the district and police administration has the responsibility to strictly enforce these rules. They must take strict punitive and necessary action without showing any leniency," stated Thackeray.
Kishori Pednekar, the mayor of Mumbai has also warned that a lockdown might be imposed in Mumbai too.