The Maharashtra government is set to impose a full lockdown from March 1, 2021.

Fake screenshots of a TV channel's news broadcast were used to falsely claim that Maharashtra will enter into full lockdown starting March 1, 2021.

Fake screenshots of a TV channel's news broadcast were used to falsely claim that Maharashtra will enter into full lockdown starting March 1, 2021.A morphed screenshot of a news bulletin with the TV9 Marathi logo is circulated on social media platforms claiming that Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has announced a 15-day complete lockdown the state due to the rise in COVID-19 cases.

The news channel called it fake and said not to believe the message shown in the viral photo. A screenshot of the TV channel's broadcast with the picture of Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and some edited text was falsely shared to spread misinformation about another statewide lockdown in Maharashtra.

As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise in Maharashtra, CM Thackeray said that there might be a possibility of lockdown in the state if there is a surge in COVID-19 cases. He said, "It is up to the people to decide whether they want a lockdown or to roam freely with some restrictions.” Further, he would wait for another eight to fifteen days before deciding whether to widen the restrictions beyond four districts. The new infection rate in Maharashtra has almost doubled in the last 15 days compared to January. The district of Amravati has been placed under a week-long lockdown owing to a sharp spike in the number of cases.

The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a lot of potentially dangerous misinformation. For reliable advice on COVID-19 including symptoms, prevention and available treatment, please refer to the World Health Organisation or your national healthcare authority.