As the number of coronavirus cases in the state continues to rise, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday announced that gyms, malls, cinema halls, auditoriums, and swimming pools will remain closed in major metros from tomorrow.

The decision is being taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Maharashtra, which has already seen 14 coronavirus cases until now.

“All gyms, malls, cinema halls, auditoriums, and public swimming pools in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and Pimpri Chinchwad will remain closed to prevent the spread of coronavirus,” Uddhav Thackeray told the Legislative Assembly today.

The order will come into effect from midnight and remain in effect till March 31, 2020.

All affected establishments see large participation from the public, which can lead to an increase in the number of infected people, officials said.

The CM has also urged citizens to avoid travelling by train or bus if it can be helped.

Additionally, schools in Pimpri Chinchwad and Pune have been asked to remain shut. However, SSC and HSC exams are expected to continue per schedule. Meanwhile, no decision has been announced for Mumbai schools till now.

Earlier this week, Maharashtra’s Health Minister Rajesh Tope also said the cabinet has decided that the Indian Premier League (IPL) should either be postponed or played behind closed doors for the same reason.

As of Friday morning, the total number of COVID-19 cases reported in Maharashtra stands at 14, which includes nine from Pune, three from Mumbai, one from Thane and another from Nagpur.