Over 1,100 new COVID-19 cases recorded in Pune in last 24 hours, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray bans all gatherings

Amid rising coronavirus COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra, Pune recorded 1,176 new cases and 6 COVID-related deaths in the last 24 hours on Sunday. Pune Zilha Parishad's Health Department said on Sunday that the overall death toll due to COVID-19 mounted to 9,183 in Pune district, while the overall positive cases stand at 3,98,607. According to the Health Department, there are 7,355 active cases in Pune.

Maharashtra reported 6,971 new COVID-19 cases and 35 deaths in the last 24 hours. The total number of COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra has reached 21,00,884 with the addition of new cases. A total of 51,788 people have lost their lives due to COVID-19 in Maharashtra so far.

The data released by the state government on Sunday (February 21) showed that 19,94,947 people have recovered from coronavirus in Maharashtra, while the number of active cases stands at 52,956.

Meanwhile, the district administration in Pune on Sunday announced to close all schools and colleges till February 28 to crub the spread of the deadly virus. The district administration has also imposed a night curfew from 11 pm to 6 am, banning public movement except for those involved in essential services. 

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday that he was closely monitoring the situation and the next eight days will decide whether there will be a lockdown in the state or not.

In a video address, CM Thackeray said, "Do you want lockdown? The next eight days will decide. Maharashtra has reported around 7,000 COVID cases today. If the COVID-19 situation deteriorates, then we have to impose lockdown. Those who want a lockdown can roam around without mask while those who do not want it must wear a mask and follow all the rules."With reference to the state government`s campaign against COVID-19 "my family, my responsibility."

CM Uddhav Thackeray also announced that all the political, religious and social gatherings will be banned in the state from February 22 in the wake of rising COVID-19 cases. "The pandemic is raising its head in the state, but whether it is another wave or not, it will be known in eight to fifteen days," he noted.

The Maharashtra CM said that the lockdown may not be the solution to curb COVID-19, but it is the only option to break the cycle of the virus. "Lockdown is not the way out, but stopping physical contact is the way to break the transmission chain. A century ago, there was the Spanish Flu. Then also masking up, washing hands, maintaining physical distancing was the strategy used," said CM Thackeray.