Coronavirus outbreak: Local trains, buses not to be stopped in Mumbai, govt offices in Maharashtra to remain open

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said on Tuesday that no public transport will be suspended even as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the state rise to 41. 

The chief minister said government offices will also remain open. 

He, however, urged people to avoid unnecessary travel.

"Trains and buses are essential services so we are not stopping them as of now but if people don't listen to our advice and don't avoid unnecessary travel, then we will think about that too. Next 15-20 days are very crucial for us," Thackeray said after a meeting.

This comes as the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra rose to 41, the state's Public Health Department said. 

Two new cases were reported after the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare put the number of positive COVID-19 cases in the state at 39. 

One person with a travel history to the USA was tested positive for in Pimpri-Chinchwad today. Another case was reported from Mumbai where a 49-year-old person with a travel history to the USA was tested positive. 

Earlier, Health Minister Rajesh Tope said steps were being taken to sanitize the trains and other public transport. 

"There are options like fumigating all train coaches, limiting the number of commuters to the seats available in each bogey to avoid crowding being considered other than completely stopping the local train services,"  Health Minister Rajesh Tope said.