Prepare For Lockdown-Like Restrictions: Maharashtra CM To Officials

Mumbai: Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray at a meeting with senior health officials and COVID-19 task force on Sunday instructed them to prepare for restrictions similar to lockdown if people continue to violate COVID-related rules.

In a meeting with state officials and the COVID-19 task force, Thackeray discussed the need for a complete lockout in the state over the next few days to prevent infection if restrictions are not strictly followed.

He asked the officials to prepare a detailed plan for the implementation of the lockdown, with minimal impact on the economy on the recommendation of the task force.

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The Chief Minister reviewed the health infrastructure including the availability of beds, oxygen, medicines etc. in the state for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. He said that COVID-19 cases in the state are increasing because people are not seriously following the guidelines, adding that “strict steps such as lockdown need to be considered.”

“There should not be any kind of confusion among the people once a lockdown is announced,” the CM is quoted as saying in the release.

During the meeting, the Principal Secretary of the State Health Department, Dr Pradeep Vyas said there would be “tremendous stress” on the availability of beds, oxygen supply and ventilators, which could be reduced if cases continue. Taskforce members also said that the state could file 40,000 new cases in the next 24 hours.

Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope, Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte,  doctors of the task force and senior officials in the administration were present at the crucial meeting.

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