COVID-19: Malls, restaurants to remain shut from 8pm to 7am in Maharashtra, gatherings banned

The Maharashtra government has decided to impose night curfew from Sunday as the state is witnessing a record number of covid-19 cases. Night curfew will begin at 8pm and end at 7am the next day across the state, and extended curbs, imposed as part of its Mission Begin Again initiative, till April 15. More than five people will not be allowed in any public place, including gardens and beaches, and violators will be fined. Gathering of five or more people will not be allowed from 8pm to 7am effective midnight March 27. All public places including gardens beaches will be shut between 8pm and 7 am.

Violation of the restrictions will attract a fine of ₹1,000.  Cinema halls, malls, auditoriums and restaurants will remain closed from 8pm to 7am. Home delivery and takeaway from restaurants will be allowed during the period. No social, cultural, political, religious gathering will be allowed. Auditorium and drama theatres should not be used for conducting such gatherings. Not more than 50 people will be allowed during wedding ceremonies and not more than 20 people will be allowed during last rites. Five states - Maharashtra, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka and Gujarat - have reported a sharp rise in daily COVID-19 cases. After touching its lowest mark in mid-February, India's active COVID-19 cases are rising and breached the 4-lakh mark again after three-and-a-half months.