Indian state to close shops, offices in light of coronavirus

Three cities in the Indian state of Maharashtra will enter a partial shutdown in an attempt to restrict the spread of coronavirus.

Making the announcement, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said all shops and offices in Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur will be closed until March 31.

Banks and shops providing essential services are exempt from the closure.

The state has recorded the highest number of confirmed cases in India, with 47 infections. India overall has 206 cases.

Mumbai and several other Indian cities have already closed schools, colleges, malls and cinema halls.