With a rapid increase in Covid-19 cases in Maharashtra, and the consequent inadequacy of hospital beds and other health facilities, the state government is considering imposing a second complete lockdown in the next few days on the recommendation of the state Covid-19 task force.

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray asked officials at a meeting on Sunday to prepare standard operating procedures (SOPs) so that lockdown can be imposed in a planned manner if required.

Officials were directed to ensure the supply of food grains, medicines and other essential items is maintained and medical facilities run in case a second lockdown in Maharashtra is imposed. Thackeray said 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 if a lockdown is imposed. The balance sheet will be maintained so that the financial cycle is not affected,” said Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte.

NUMBER OF BEDS, VENTILATORS DECLINING
Dr Pradeep Vyas, principal secretary in the state’s health department, pointed out that due to the rapidly increasing infections, all-important health facilities will soon be under severe stress and will not be easily available to the general public. This includes hospital beds, ventilators and oxygen.

According to him, out of 3.57 lakh isolation beds, more than one lakh have been filled and the remaining beds are being occupied expeditiously. Out of 60,349 oxygen beds, 12,701 have been filled.

The chief minister has said that adequate ventilators should be available. Additionally, he said, 80 per cent of oxygen production should be reserved for medical purposes.

Thackeray said all required facilities should be available in places other than Mumbai and Pune. If there are no facilities in rural areas, arrangements should be made in the nearest town, he said.

Health Minister Rajesh Tope said there is a need to expedite contact tracing efforts in rural areas. On the positive side, he said that the pace of vaccination in the state is good and if the cold chain infrastructure available in rural areas is used, vaccination at sub-centres will be increased.

MAHARASHTRA’S COVID SURGE
In the last week, Maharashtra witnessed as many as one lakh fresh Covid-19 cases.

Comparing last year’s figures, 24, 619 cases were reported in a single day in the state in September 2020 but on March 27 this year there were 35,726 fresh cases. According to the state’s Covid-19 task force, the state may report 40,000 fresh cases in the next 24 hours.

To control the situation, Section 144 of the CrPC under which gatherings of five or more individuals are banned has been imposed in the state during the night hours from March 28 onwards. On Saturday, all gatherings, including political and religious ones, were banned. Restaurants, gardens and malls are to remain shut between 8 pm and 7 am.

With night curfew imposed in Mumbai and across Maharashtra, Marine Drive is deserted. (Photo: Vidya/India Today)
Chief Minister Thackeray said on Sunday that the rules are not being followed strictly and preventive measures such as social distancing and wearing of masks are not being taken seriously by many.

The state’s cumulative Covid tally currently stands at 26,73,461.

https://www.indiatoday.in/coronavirus-outbreak/story/complete-lockdown-in-maharashtra-cm-uddhav-thackeray-asks-officials-to-plan-1784601-2021-03-28