Mumbai schools, colleges, theatres shut due to swine flu

Schools, colleges and cinema theatres in the city will remain closed in view of swine flu situation in the state, Maharashtra government said on Wednesday.

While schools and colleges will remain closed for a week, theatres and multiplexes will remain shut for three days, a senior government official said.

The decision has been taken as a precautionary measure in the wake of rising cases of deadly viral infection in the state, which has recorded maximum swine flu deaths so far.

Swine flu prompts low-key Dahi Handi celebrations

With swine flu deaths in Maharashtra on the rise, political parties have appealed to the people to hold on a low key Dahi Handi programmes on Janamasthami to avoid the spread of the virus.

"Shiv Sena Executive President Uddhav Thackeray has appealed to people to celebrate Janmashtami at home and desist from crowding the streets in the backdrop of the situation," arising out of swine flu cases, Sena spokesperson Neelam Ghore said.

Janamasthami will be celebrated across the country on Friday.
Uddhav said health was the first priority and "we should restrain from indulging in big celebrations to avoid crowd".

NCP legislator Jeetendra Awhad, who organises the popular Dahi Handi programme in neighbouring Thane, said he had spoken to Uddhav and had agreed that there should be no fanfare during Dahi Handi celebrations. Public health is our primary concern, he added.