The petrol pumps across the city will remain open only for 12 hours till March 31, starting from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. This means that people will not be able to get petrol/diesel even in the case of an emergency beyond this time. Amid the coronavirus scare in the state, the Maharashtra government has announced a complete lockdown barring the essential services.
There is a possibility that the 12-hour functioning of petrol pumps will create more panic and will lead to longer lines. The move also defies Uddhav Thackeray's directive who said that essential services would be available 24x7 during the lockdown period. As per a Times of India report, the petrol pump owners argued that there is a serious health hazard for people working at the petrol pumps.
The total number of coronavirus positive cases in the city jumped to 89 on Monday with an increase of 15 new cases overnight. The Maharashtra government on Sunday had imposed section 144 of CrPC in all urban parts of the state in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. Uddhav Thackeray also suspended public transport including local train service, buses and metro.
Earlier today, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope informed that the community transmission in the state has not entered yet and the number of infected cases of coronavirus has increased to 89.
“The police can take action under section 144. We have also issued orders to disburse the crowds at various checkpoints,” said Tope.
Currently, 89 cases in Maharashtra have tested positive. Here's the breakdown:
Meanwhile, the state government has also asked private hospitals to ready isolation wards on a priority basis. Accordingly, various private hospitals have taken necessary measures to establish isolation wards. The move is expected to ease up the pressure felt by the government hospitals.
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