MUMBAI: Warning that the state would be forced to impose a stricter lockdown if people did not follow Covid-appropriate norms for the next eight days, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray today said that all religious, social and political gatherings will be prohibited in the state from Monday.

Perturbed by the rapid rise in COVID-19 cases in the state, Thackeray addressed the people through the social media and warned them of a second wave unless strict precautions are taken.  Thackeray posed a question to the citizens, "Should we impose a lockdown? Those who do not want a lockdown will

"Observe protocols like using masks, washing hands and keeping physical distance. People who want a lockdown again will flout these rules. Let us see who wants a lockdown, and who doesn’t. I am very clear about this observe Covid discipline, prevent a lockdown," he said. 

Thackeray said that due to COVID-19 spike in Amravati and some other districts, a lockdown is to kick in again from Monday. "We have imposed a lockdown in Amravati and other districts from Monday evening, and if things do not improve we will be forced to take action across the state," he said.

Amravati will have weekend lockdown from 8 pm on Saturday to 7 am from Monday, during which markets and other establishments will remain shut, but essential services will remain unaffected. Pune has already imposed a night curfew between 11 pm and 6 am from Saturday.

Several towns and cities in the state including Mumbai are witnessing a rise in COVID cases. Some of the Municipal wards in the city have reported more than 50% rise in cases in the second week of February compared with the first week of the month. The sharpest spike of 91% in Covid-19 cases was reported from A Ward, which covers parts of central districts like Colaba, Cuffe Parade and Churchgate.