MUMBAI, April 4 (Xinhua) -- India's western state of Maharashtra has announced a lockdown on weekends and other restrictions on weekdays till April 30 over a surge in COVID-19 cases locally.
The lockdown is from 8:00 p.m. on Friday to 7:00 a.m. on Monday with the exception for activities of essential services. The state government also announced a cap of three people for gatherings on weekdays.
"Only essential services will be permitted. Restaurants are permitted only for take away & parcel services. For offices, employees will have to work from home," said Aslam Shaikh, the state's cabinet minister, adding that details of the standard operating procedures will be released soon.
The number of passengers for local public transport will be based on the seating capacity, and the taxi able to operate with 50 percent of its seating capacity, the minister said.
Industrial and construction activities are allowed while multiplex cinemas and shopping malls will be closed, according to the official. Enditem
