In view of the coronavirus pandemic outbreak in the state, the Maharashtra government has decided to shut down the entry of devotees into the Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai from Monday evening till further notice. On Monday, the total number of positive cases of COVID-19 infection in Maharashtra rose to 38, making it the worst-affected state in the country with the disease. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and state Health Minister Rajesh Tope conducted a review meeting on this day, along with the Chief Secretary, district magistrates, and other healthcare officials, via video conferencing. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had earlier announced that schools, colleges, and shopping malls in the state will remain closed till March 31. Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope also said that the government has asked universities to postpone the examinations in the state.

Source: dna March 16, 2020 11:48 UTC