Maharashtra Govt shuts schools and colleges after Coronavirus cases surge to 19

The Maharashtra Government on Saturday announced that all educational institutes will remain shut till March 31 in view of the rise in Coronavirus cases in the State. ll public and private schools and colleges will henceforth remain shut till the aforementioned March 31. Moreover, the government has stated that all exams of standard 10 and 12 and university courses will continue according to the schedule.

The decision comes a day after Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray invoked the Epidemic Diseases Act and declared the deadly Coronavirus as an epidemic in the State. 

Here's the circular released by the Maharashtra Government:

Maharashtra has reported 19 cases of COVID-19 as of Saturday, and the state government has issued order to shut swimming pools, gyms and theatres till March 31 in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad and Nagpur regions as a precautionary measure against the virus.

READ | Coronavirus Positive Cases In Maharashtra Rise To 19

Chief Minister bans mass gathering

Earlier on Friday, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray informed in the state assembly that schools will be shut in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad till further notice, except schools that are conducting 10th and 12th standard board exams. 

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray banned all mass gatherings in the State and also appealed to companies to allow 'work from home' wherever possible. He advised people to avoid malls, restaurants, and hotels.

READ | CM Uddhav Declares 'Coronavirus Epidemic In Maharashtra'; Schools In Pune & Pimpri Shu

BMC health officials have briefed that four positive cases were detected - 3 in Mumbai, 1 in Thane - after 460 homes were surveyed. This development comes amid India recorded its second death. 

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