Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray directs offices in Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur to shut down till March 31

• Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackaray has directed all offices in Mumbai, Pune and other select areas to remain shut till March 31.
• The directive goes into effect at midnight today, March 20.
• Residents have been assures that basic supplies like groceries and other necessities will remain available.

As the Coronavirus pandemic spreads in India, states are taking stringent precautions to ensure that social distancing and self isolation are followed. The chief minister of Maharashtra Uddhav Thackeray has announced that all offices in Mumbai and its suburbs, Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad and Nagpur will remain closed till March 31.

The directive goes into effect at midnight today, March 20. Government offices are also being thinned down with instructions to operate with only 25% of the staff. Train and bus services will also continue to function to in order to help medical workers and other staff working to render essential services, such hospital employees.


Even though a lot of shops will now be shut, residents of the area need not panic. Groceries, milk and other day-to-day items shall still remain available. The government also appealed to establishments to not stop paying minimum wages to their staff.

Bank will remain open. Other financial institution like stock exchanges, clearing corporations, depositories, and SEBI registered participants are also except from the directive. However, people are encouraged to avoid all unnecessary movement.

Maharashtra currently has the highest number of coronavirus cases in the country with 47 people confirmed with the infection. Mumbai and Pune, in particular, are two of the worst-hit cities. Two days ago, March 18, the state reported its first death. A 64-year old patient was the third pass away due to Covid-19 in India.


Despite the dramatic rise in coronavirus cases, the hustle and bustle on most streets continues despite public transportation being curbed.

The Maharashtra government’s announcement comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced last night that a voluntary shutdown deemed ‘Janata Curfew’ till take place on March 22 from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm.

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Coronavirus cases across the world: 245,922 infected, 88,465 recovered and 10,048 dead