Mumbai, March 22 (IANS): As Covid-19 claimed its second victim in in Maharashtra in four days and number of cases rose to 74, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday announced a 'near-total' lockdown of Maharashtra from midnight.

The announcement came close on the heels of the shutting of Indian Railways including Mumbai's lifeline, the suburban locals, for 10 days till March 31, and has been reinforced by slapping prohibitory orders all over the state.

"Attendance in government offices has been slashed down to only 5 percent, only bare essential services and retail outlets like vegetables, groceries, milk, pharmacies and others shall be functional. I once again appeal to all to stay at home and don't step out unless absolutely essential," Thackeray said in a television statement a short while ago.

The move follows the state orders shutting down all schools, colleges, public places, private companies, religious and tourist places, most public transport, buses from neighbouring states and taking other desperate measures to keep prevent crowds since the past three days.

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