MUMBAI: As the novel coronavirus cases continue to surge across Maharashtra, the local authorities have started a crackdown on shopping malls. The local civic body - Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has said COVID-19 test report (RT-PCR) is mandatory for people entering shopping malls in the city. The new rule is said to come into effect from March 22.

Celebrities express their concern over the grim scenario and urge people to 
strictly adhere to COVID-19 guidelines.

Ajay Kumar Singh
Guidelines have to be followed strictly

I read in the papers about the huge numbers of cases and that is not a good sign. It is a very sad scenario in Mumbai and even in India. The situation couldn't go out of control. The guidelines have to be followed strictly.

Piew Jana
Strong action needed

Mumbai is known for fighting all battles. Strong action is necessary against those people who are violating the rules. Health is more important than going to malls for shopping and eating.

Jay Prakash Sharma
Situation is disheartening
The pandemic situation is very disheartening, unnecessarily going to malls or any crowded place is not needed. And one must wear a mask all the time and carry sanitizer too. Jaan hai toh Jahan hai.

Chandni Soni
Opt for online shopping

To see the Mumbai situation is very upsetting, government guidelines must be followed strictly. One should opt for online shopping and shouldn't go to malls till the situation is under control.

Meera Deosthale
Citizens must behave responsibly

COVID-19 scenario has created a scare in the city it is not a pleasant situation. As responsible citizens everyone has to collectively co-operate to fight the situation. Strictness is needed because people are breaking the rules and behaving and living with a carefree attitude.

Vijayendra Kumeria
Going to malls should be avoided

Mumbai is going through hard times because of the population and crowd. The pandemic is spreading like fire. Precautions have to be followed strictly.
Going to malls for shopping and eating can be avoided till the situation is not under control. Health and life is more important at the moment.

Rohit Chaudhary
Scenario is very sensitive

I have been watching news channels and the condition of Mumbai is going out of control, people are not following the norms and the government is left with no choice than to be strict. The scenario is very sensitive as it is the matter of lives, zindagi bahut khubsurat hai jeene ka salika aana chahiye.

The phrase ‘prevention is better than cure’, aptly conveys its importance especially at a time when India is fighting a tough battle against this deadly virus.

Prateik Chaudhary        
Best decision by government to conduct tests at public places

As per the current situation of rapid increase in COVID-19 cases, the government has taken the best decision by implementing such rules and regulations like no entry in shopping malls or at bus stations and railway stations without COVID-19 test report (RT-PCR), compulsory testing for cooks, etc. We should remember this, only the lockdown has been lifted, the coronavirus is still looming over. People are still falling sick. I see many of them are still roaming without masks, so we should follow the rules and obey government decisions till COVID-19 cases are terminated completely.