The state of Maharashtra reported 49,447 new Covid-19 infections and 277 associated deaths in the last 24 hours, a day after Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray warned of a lockdown. There are reportedly 4,01,172 active cases in Maharashtra. In Mumbai alone, 9,090 cases have been registered. There are 62,187 active cases in the city.
In an attempt to boost medical facilities, Thackeray said his government is considering diverting all industrial oxygen supply to medical use, citing the fact that Maharashtra’s daily demand for oxygen has crossed 700 metric tonnes, despite the state’s production potential of over 1200 metric tonnes.
India reported 89,129 new cases on Saturday, the most since September of last year. In line with the rapid growth in cases, the number of open cases has been steadily increasing for the 24th day in a row. Maharashtra, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Madhya Pradesh account for 81 percent of the country’s incidents, according to the Union Health Ministry.
Instead of announcing a shutdown, CM Uddhav Thackeray warned that a decision would have to be made in two days after discussions with experts and political leaders.
When asked about the scarcity of beds in the state, the Chief Minister said, “This situation is really troubling.” If existing developments persist, there will be a lack of health-care facilities over the next 15 to 20 days. I’ve sent orders to enhance health-care facilities everywhere it’s needed. We would be able to expand the number of beds, ventilators, and other medical equipment.” “How do we raise the number of physicians, nurses, and health workers?” he said.
Meanwhile, to ensure that Maharashtra maintains its fast rate of Covid-19 vaccines, with as many as 70,27,500 beneficiaries having received the vaccine to date, State Health Secretary Dr Pradeep Vyas informed The Indian Express that special permits would be given to those heading for the jabs so that they are not impacted by the restrictions and curfew imposed in Pune.
According to health authorities, the state has a sufficient supply of 30 lakh vaccine doses, and all attempts are being made to enable local residents above the age of 45 to come out in large numbers and get the vaccine.
