Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray imposes section 144 for the next 15 days
Only essential shops to remain open from 7am to 8pm and local buses to be used only by essential workers
Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray on April 13 announced section 144 for the next 15 days in the state as covid-19 cases skyrocket in the state.
The curfew, which excludes essential services, will come into effect from 8 pm on Wednesday, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said in his address to people of the state.
“We are imposing strict restrictions which will come into effect from 8 pm tomorrow. Section 144 to be imposed in the entire state from tomorrow. I will not term this as lockdown, the chief minister said during his address to the state.
The chief minister expressing concern over the rising cases and its impact on the health infrastructure, said: “There is a shortage of medical oxygen and hospital beds in the state”. Thackeray also said the demand for Remdesivir has increased.
“In the last few days, I have interacted with people, to get consensus. But now discussions will not help”, said chief minister Uddhav Thackeray. “We are facing shortage of oxygen, beds. Demand for Remdesivir has soared,” he added.
“I am requesting the Prime Minister to send the air force to dispatch oxygen tanks to Maharashtra, the chief minister said.
As cases spiral in Maharashtra, its healthcare services have been stretched and various hospitals have reported shortage of medical necessities such as oxygen, or ventilators.
The state government will provide three kg wheat and two kg rice free for the next one month to every poor and needy person while the coronavirus-induced restrictions are in place, Thackeray said.