Amid covid-19 surge, Maharashtra mulls another lockdown

As the number of currently active Covid-19 cases touched a new record in Maharashtra, the state appeared headed towards a lockdown in the coming week. Essential services like grocery shops and medical stores will be open and deliveries will continue. (Express photo by Amit Chakravarty)

Over the last three days, Maharashtra has recorded more than 1.13 lakh new infections; 40,414 new cases were detected on Sunday. (Express photo by Amit Chakravarty)

Public spaces like Juhu beach have been restricted for public since 9 am in the morning. (Express photo by Amit Chakravarty)

Pune on Sunday reported 8,324 new coronavirus infections, its highest-ever single day count, and powered Maharashtra to a new peak. (Express Photo by Pavan Khengre)

After hours of confusion, the Pune Municipal Corporation and the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation have finally issued prohibitory orders mandating that all public places be shut at 8 pm. (Express Photo by Pavan Khengre)

As per the ‘Mission Begin Again’ directives issued on Saturday, the Maharashtra government had ordered that “all public places to remain closed from 8 pm to 7 am effective from March 27 and those who would violate the orders will be imposed with a penalty of Rs 1000′. (Express Photo by Pavan Khengre)

In Kalyan - Dombivali, Municipal Commissioner has ordered to close shops and establishments every weekend. (Express photo by Deepak Joshi)

Gateway of India wears a deserted look during night curfew, imposed by the authorities to curb the spread of coronavirus, in Mumbai, on Sunday. (PTI Photo/Mitesh Bhuvad)

Mumbai Police personnel conduct a flag march during night curfew, imposed by the authorities to curb the spread of coronavirus, in Mumbai. (PTI Photo/Mitesh Bhuvad)

The area near Gateway of India in Mumbai remains deserted owing to night curfew in the city.

Owners close their shops during night curfew, imposed by the authorities to curb the spread of coronavirus, in Mumbai. (PTI Photo/Mitesh Bhuvad)

Senior state health officials said they have advised a lockdown for at least 15 days to interrupt the chain of transmission.

Maharashtra has reported more than 5.58 lakh new cases and over 2,000 deaths this month, up from 1.28 lakh cases and over 1,000 deaths in February.