Maharashtra now has around 42 cases of the coronavirus, emerging as the epicentre of the virus in India. It has also experienced its first coronavirus-related death. Due to rising fears and enforcing the curbs on large gatherings, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is shutting down all the major public hangout hotspots in the city to contain the spread of the virus and ensure the safety of the people.
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Which Major Public Hangout Spots In Mumbai Are Sealed Due To Coronavirus?
On Sunday, the local civic body cordoned off the Byculla zoo, Juhu beach and Priyadarshini Park in Napeansea Road. They shut down the Byculla zoo, and asked the huge crowds that had gathered at Juhu beach and Priyadarshini Park to disperse.
These spots, which are major tourist spots in the city, are also visited by locals in high numbers on weekends. In fact, the Byculla zoo sees a footfall of over 12,000 people on weekends and public holidays.
When the orders for the shutdown were received on Sunday afternoon, around 3,000 people were inside in the Byculla zoo and had to be moved out immediately. The people were asked to co-operate since the steps were taken in the larger public interest.
On the same day, when the police shut down the Priyadarshini Park, around 1000 people were gathered in the park and had to be dispersed. The Juhu beach, which is one of the most crowded beaches in Mumbai, had to be sealed by making announcements on the public address system.
What Is The Maharashtra Government Doing To Contain The Coronavirus?
While there is a nationwide shut down of schools, colleges, museums, swimming pools and cinema halls till March 31 as a precautionary measure against the spread of coronavirus, the Maharashtra government has also ordered the cancellation of all public events and religious processions.
On Sunday, the Mumbai Police also invoked Section 144 of the CrPC to prohibit tour operators from conducting any kind of group tours to foreign or domestic destinations till March 31. Read the article here: BREAKING: Section 144 Imposed In Mumbai Amidst Coronavirus Outbreak
While the Indian Government claims that it is taking maximum steps to combat the spread of the virus, it was lauded by the World Health Organisation for its efforts to combat the spread of the virus. However, a lot more needs to be done as the pandemic has infected 167,500 people globally and continues to spread at an alarming rate.