In view of the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra, government on Friday announced the imposition of a night curfew from Sunday, March 28 across the state.

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, following an assessment of the prevailing COVID-19 situation during a meeting with district magistrates, took the decision.

The curfew would remain effective till further orders. The Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Department would soon issue a separate order, said CMO on the same.

During the night curfew, all malls would remain closed from 8 pm to 7 am in Maharashtra.

Thackeray said, The danger from COVID-19 is not over. On the contrary, it has increased. People need to understand this. It has become imperative to take strict actions. District collectors can impose lockdown depending on the local situation. But, they?ll have to give sufficient time to the people beforehand.

He added, I don’t want to impose lockdown but looking at the rising number of cases, it seems that the present health infrastructure may fall short. Districts are advised to look into the availability of beds, health facilities etc.