Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said Friday in the midst of a fresh COVID 19 wave in the state that has witnessed the highest regular infection ever since the second wave of the outbreak began over the last two weeks the possibility of a lockdown in Maharashtra cannot be ruled out as the increase in Coronavirus cases persists.
“I cannot rule out imposing a lockdown if the current COVID-19 situation prevails. People have become complacent. We are in a Catch 22 situation – should we look at economy or health?” the Chief Minister said in a televised address.
“We have become a little complacent. With everything becoming normal, people have to be more careful. The whole country is fighting an unknown enemy,” Thackeray said.
In the next couple of days, I will give out strict restrictions guidelines. But I want to also tell you that I will be speaking to many more people. I want a solution about how to break this chain. I don’t want lockdown but what’s the solution?” he added.
In the midst of spiraling active infections over the past few weeks, Mumbai registered yet another highest increase in COVID-19 cases today. Today, 8,648 cases were reported by the town over 24 hours, which surpassed previous records. 20 dead, official estimates show. 20 died. COVID-19 incidents in Maharashtra have risen exponentially and the state has taken initiatives such as tighter implementation of safety laws.
Chief Minister said we had only two labs when the pandemic began. We set up more labs and are testing over 50,000 people every day in Mumbai alone. We are testing over 1.82 lakh people in Maharashtra and the target is to reach 2.5 lakh.
Pune had enforced a 12-hour night curfew beginning tomorrow, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., earlier in the day. All public events in the district have been prohibited, with the exception of weddings and last rite ceremonies. Just 50 people will be able to attend weddings, and only 20 people will be allowed to stay for the last rites. The curfew has been lifted for critical services.
People are not listening to safety protocols, according to Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar, who suggested that hotels be ordered to run at 50% capacity and religious sites be closed entirely.
