Updated: December 21, 2020 8:17:21 pm
Covid testing in progress at a civic clinic in Mumbai on Monday morning (Express photo: Amit Chakravarty)
Against the backdrop of a new strain of coronavirus emerging in the UK, the Maharashtra government decided on Monday to impose a night curfew on all municipal areas of the state starting Tuesday night. The curfew will be in effect from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. and will remain in effect until January 5.
Maharashtra Prime Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday, during a speech to the state, had said that was not in favor of a night curfew or other lockdown, since the coronavirus situation is under control, although not completely.
However, on Monday, after a meeting with senior state government officials and police, the Chief Minister announced the imposition of the night curfew. Consequently, all stores, except essential services such as medical stores, must close at 11pm.
The state government has also decided to restart the institutional quarantine for all passengers from Europe and the Middle East. Passengers must remain in quarantine for 14 days after landing at the airport.
“Due to this new strain of the virus, we are taking these precautions. We have to be more vigilant during the next 15 days, “said CM Thackeray in a statement issued through the CMO.
Thackeray had said early Sunday that he was wearing a the mask would be mandatory for at least the next six months even if the coronavirus vaccine is available. He had urged people to be cautious during Christmas and New Year celebrations, and said that social distancing should be maintained for any large gatherings, such as weddings.
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