In the wake of the rising number of the Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 cases, the Maharashtra Government is likely to impose strict lockdown for 15 days.
Uddhav Thackeray, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, is expected to announce the same on the 21st of April. In the past few weeks, the cases are rising massively, making Maharashtra the worst COVID-19 State in India. As of now, the State contributed more than 50 % of India’s total active cases. To fight the second wave of the Novel Coronavirus, lockdown is said to be the last option left for the Shiv Sena-Indian National Congress-National Congress Party (NCP) alliance to prevent the spread.
Despite a week’s restrictions and curfew, the State showed no stability in COVID-19 prevention.
On the 20th of April, the Uddhav Thackeray Government conducted a high level meeting with the State Cabinet ministers. Most of the ministers demanded a strict complete lockdown. The final decision regarding the same would be announced by the State Chief Minister on the 21st of April. He would address the citizens of State and announce the next step.
In addition, on Tuesday, the Shiv Sena Government also added fresh curbs, which include timings restrictions of grocery and other food shops to only four hours. Shops selling fruits, vegetables, grocery, restaurants, bakeries, meat, egg and dairy shops would remain open from 7:00 A.M., to 11:00 A.M.
However, home delivery from these shops has been allowed from 7:00 A.M., to 8:00 P.M.
However, local body authorities are allowed to change home delivery timings. These restrictions came into force from 8:00 P.M., on Tuesday and will be in force till 7:00 P.M., on the 1st of May.
Public health minister Rajesh Tope said there was no option but to impose a strict lockdown. He said, “Officials said guidelines for a lockdown are being drafted, and restrictions on timings for essential shops will continue. Attendance in government offices may be reduced, and a ban on interdistrict travel is expected. Maharashtra will collapse if situation doesn’t improve.”
In addition, the State Urban development minister Eknath Shinde said, “A demand for a complete and strict lockdown like last year’s was raised in the cabinet meeting, and the CM has agreed to it. Cases are going up rapidly and health infrastructure is proving inadequate. If strict steps are not taken, people will die on the streets without getting treatment.”
Meanwhile, Mumbai and other regions of Maharashtra are witnessing shortage of oxygen, important drugs for COVID-19 patients and other important equipment to tackle the situation. In the past few weeks, Maharashtra added 3,23,199 infections and 2,539 deaths.
According to the prepared data, Mumbai alone would have more than 1.40 lakh active cases till the 2nd of May, if the cases continue to rise like this. In addition, Mumbai will have a shortfall of over 6,000 oxygen beds, 1500 ICU beds and 121 ventilator beds.
Cities like Nagpur and Pune have also been projected to have a massive shortage of beds.
Uddhav Thackeray is going to address the State in the afternoon of the 21st of April and take a final call on lockdown.
Stay tuned for further updates.
