Ready for lockdown,CM Uddhav asks officials to prepare plan

Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday instructed officials to be prepared to impose lockdown-like restrictions if people fail to adhere to Covid-appropriate behaviour. The decision was taken at a meeting in Mumbai, attended by Thackeray, Health Minister Rajesh Tope, Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte, doctors of the COVID-19 task force and other officials, an official statement said. He said that the Covid cases are rising because people are not following the guidelines seriously. "That is why strict steps like lockdowns are being considered," he said.

The state has already imposed a night curfew from Sunday to curb the rising cases of the coronavirus disease "I do not wish to impose lockdown. But there seems a possibility of healthcare facilities falling short given the rise in the number of coronavirus patients," Thackeray said after announcing the curfew. At a meeting officials were directed to plan the supply of food grains, medicines, essential services and medical facilities in case a second lockdown in Maharashtra is imposed. Thackeray stated that protecting people’s health is his priority, even as the government is trying its best to keep the economy afloat during the pandemic.“Appropriate instructions are being given to the administration to ensure that there is no confusion and coordination if a lockdown is imposed. The balance sheet will be maintained so that the financial cycle is not affected,” said Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte.

Health Minister Rajesh Tope said since people are not following the rules, the administration is forced to move towards a lockdown. At present, of the 3.75 lakh isolation beds, 1.07 lakh are occupied in the state and the rest are filling up rapidly, Principal Secretary (Health) Dr Pradeep Vyaas said. Of the 60,349 oxygen beds, 12,701 are already occupied, he said, adding, 1,881 ventilators of the available 9,030 have patients of coronavirus.