After four fresh cases were reported today morning, the total number of coronavirus patients in Maharashtra rose to 106. The most urbanized state in India is also the worst hit by coronavirus pandemic. The number of coronavirus cases across the state jumped from 64 to 101 in a span of 72 hours. Among the four coronavirus positive cases, three of them are from Pune and one from Satara. These people have travel history to Peru, UAE, and Saudi Arabia.

A 65-year-old man passed away in Mumbai today, taking the total death toll in the city to 3. India so far reported 10 deaths due to COVID-19 infection.

As Maharashtra reported the highest number of coronavirus cases in India, the state government has imposed a lockdown, sealing borders and prohibiting public movement except in case of emergencies. The lockdown will be in effect till March 31. All state and district borders have been sealed while public transport services - including buses, suburban trains and metro rail - have also been suspended.

All shops and commercial establishments, including offices, factories, workshops, godowns etc are shut. However, pharmaceutical units, food and related units (dal and rice mills, dairies, feed and fodder units) have been asked to remain functional.

The government has excluded the following services and their related supply chains from the lockdown - banks, ATMs, fintech institutions; print and electronic media; IT and ITeS services including postal, telecom, internet and data; e-commerce delivery of food, medicines and medical equipment, salt of food items, services for pets, restaurant take-away and home delivery; hospitals and pharmacies; petrol pumps, LPG stations; private security services; and export-import of agricultural goods and commodities.

To prevent virus spread, Maharashtra chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has urged citizens to remain indoors. Mumbai Suburban train services — lifeline of financial capital — have been suspended till month end to encourage social distancing.

The total number of coronavirus cases in the country climbed to 492 today. So far, eight deaths have been reported from the various parts of the country. The Centre decided to put 32 states and union territories under lockdown as the COVID-19 infections are rising by the day. All domestic flights will be suspended from the midnight of March 24. Indian Railways had also cancelled all the trains till the month end. Only the goods trains will operate to move essential

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