Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday said that 15-day strict restrictions will be imposed in the state from 8 pm on Wednesday to break the chain of virus.
In a virtual address to the people, Mr. Thackeray said that daily spike of Covid cases is “scary” as a reason section 144 will be imposed across the state. The Chief Minister said during this period public transport like local trains in Mumbai and bus service will not be suspended, but only employees from the essential services will be allowed to commute.
Informing that there is a shortage of oxygen in the state, he said he will request Prime Minister Narendra Modi to direct Airforce to transport oxygen from other states to Maharashtra.
The Chief Ministrer said that at present Maharashtra produces 1200 metric tonnes of oxygen and with the ever increasing demand owing to the rise in cases 950 to 1,000 metric tonnes of oxygen is needed. Hence, it is imperative to import oxygen from other states.
The essential services, he said, will be operational from 7 in the morning till 8 in the evening. Hospitals, employees from medical fields, vaccine makers, mask manufacturers, workers from animal husbandry department, warehousing, air service will be functional. Reserve Bank of India, banks, e-commerce, accredited journalists, cargo services will also be functional, he said. He said private establishments will be closed during this period. Unnecessary movement of people will be completely barred.