Aurangabad, Mar 15 : In the backdrop of the rising number of coronavirus cases across eight districts of the Marathwada region, various restrictions have been imposed in most of the districts by its respective districts administration to break up the chain.

Aurangabad District Collector Sunil Chavan has directed to close all restaurants in Aurangabad from March 17 onwards. Restaurant kitchens will continue, and food delivery facilities will continue.

The District Collector has decided to cancel the Nathashthi Yatra at Paithan this year. Section 144 has been implemented in Aurangabad City Police Commissionerate from 2300 hours to 0600 hours. Walking, standing or lingering on public roads or in the streets is also prohibited. These orders will remain in force till April 4. Private tutoring classes in the city are also scheduled to close until April 4.

All schools in the Nanded district will be closed from today till March 31 ordered by collector Vipin Itankar on Monday. The District Collector has instructed to conduct the examinations which are going on at the school level online. Meanwhile, Guardian Minister Ashok Chavan held a review meeting of the district health system and all department heads and instructed agencies in the district to be tight vigilant.

In view of the growing contagion of Covid in Aurangabad and Nanded districts, the MSRTC bus service from Parbhani district to these two districts has been ordered to be closed from today till March 23, District Collector Deepak Mugalikar said. Private bus services to Mumbai and Pune have also been banned till March 23.

Meanwhile, despite repeated instructions, it is seen that the masks are not being used. Against this backdrop, Mr Mughlikar has warned of stern action.

Osmanabad District Collector Kaustubh Divegavkar has issued instructions to close restaurants and bars in Osmanabad district from Wednesday. These establishments will be able to provide home delivery service of food items by starting the kitchen from 0900 to 2100 hours.

All the businesses in Jalna district including restaurants, tea shops, paanpatti, Bhelpuri vehicles will be closed from midnight today till March 31. This decision was taken by District Collector Ravindra Binwade in a review meeting. The District Collector has appealed to the citizens to follow the Covid norms.

The region registered 2673 fresh cases and 18 casualties during the past 24 hours which is the highest in recent days.(UNI)