Coronavirus: Maharashtra’s Shirdi temple to remain closed

Mumbai: Maharashtra has become one of the worst affected states in the country to be hit by the novel Coronavirus. In view of the situation in the state, Shirdi temple authorities have decided to shut down the temple from 3 p.m on 17 March. The temple will remain shut until further notice.

The temple authorities said the decision was taken because there is heavy traffic of devotees visiting the temple and this could be a threat since Maharashtra is one of the worst affected states. The devotees have been asked to cancel their trips and to co-operate with the government officials in order to curb the spread of Coronavirus.

Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple and Dagdusheth Ganpati Temple in Pune have also been closed in the wake of the Coronavirus.

As of 17 March, Maharashtra has reported 39 COVID-19 positive cases and one death. A 63-year-old man died at Mumbai’s Kasturba Gandhi Hospital. The total number of cases from the Mumbai metropolitan region has risen to 13 now as four new cases were reported on Monday.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led government in Maharashtra has announced all schools, colleges, gym, and malls will be shut down. The secondary and higher secondary exams in the state are being conducted as per the schedule. While the Class X board exams will end in the state by 23 March, the Class XII board exams will end tomorrow.