MUMBAI, March 20 (Xinhua) -- India's western state of Maharashtra has announced the closure of all non-essential workplaces in Mumbai and other adjacent towns along with three more cities in the state starting mid-night of March 20 until March 31.

Mumbai is the political capital of Maharashtra and the financial hub of India.

The state government will also operate with 25 percent employee attendance across its offices instead of 50 percent announced earlier, said Uddhav Thackeray, chief minister of the state, Friday.

The state has so far reported 52 cases with at least five patients recovering from COVID-19.

The closure of non-essential workplaces has excluded banks and shops that are selling essential commodities, Thackeray said. He also ruled out shutting down public transport in Mumbai.

According to the official Friday morning update, India has so far 195 COVID-19 cases including 32 foreign nationals.

In a televised address to the nation Friday night, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to the countrymen to isolate themselves at their homes in order to save themselves from the COVID-19. He also expressed concerns over the adverse impact on the country's economy.

According to survey by industry body Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the pandemic has significantly impacted the cash flow with 80 percent companies reporting a decrease in cash flow and over 60 percent respondents indicating an impact on supply chains. Enditem

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