Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday warned that the government could take the "harsh decision" of shutting train and bus services over the novel coronavirus outbreak if people did not refrain from non-essential travel. Maharashtra currently tops the list of states with coronavirus cases, with 42 being reported as of Wednesday.
There had been speculation on Tuesday that the Maharashtra government, in consultation with the Railways, could stop suburban train services in Mumbai.
Thackeray said the government had no plans to enforce a lockdown of any city in Maharashtra, but requested people to avoid thronging temples, mosques, churches and other public spaces.
"There will be no closure of government offices and public transport in Mumbai. But if people don't exercise restraint and don't avoid non-essential travel, we will be forced to take the harsh decision," Thackeray said.
According to the chief minister, his government has not made any decision to stop rail and bus services and also regarding the closure of hotels though malls have been shut down.
"Whatever we are doing is in the interest of citizens. I am sure people will observe self-restraint. It is not correct to make rules for everything,” Thackeray said and pleaded with people to avoid unnecessary travel.
"The next 15 to 20 days are important for the state as far as containment of the coronavirus spread is concerned and people should be extra vigilant on this aspect," Thackeray said.
