Decision on lockdown likely to be next week
MUMBAI: Maharashtra recorded 53,605 new Covid-19 cases on Saturday and 864 deaths, taking the tally to 5,053,336 and toll to 75,277, even as the state government in deliberating on various options over the lockdown which will end on May 15. The state had imposed the lockdown across Maharashtra from April 22 and extended it from 7.00am on May 1 till May 15.
Health minister Rajesh Tope said that various options are being explored by the government which will be finalised next week. “We are recording 50,000-60,000 cases daily. These figures are not declining, but are stable. We have various options such as extending the lockdown or to continue with restrictions only in those areas where the cases are increasing,” said Tope, adding that in 12 of the total 36 districts, the Covid-19 cases have re reduced.
Dr Ameet Mandot, director, Parel’s Gut Clinic, said, “It’ll be a very difficult call for the government as it concerns the lives as well as livelihood of citizens. The middle path would be to open in a staggered manner in places like Mumbai where the positivity rate is low and cases have been controlled. However, the authorities should enforce strict adherence of Covid-19 norms so that there is no surge in areas where there is a partial opening.”
Meanwhile, the state has complained to the Centre about the Karnataka government stopping 50 metric tonnes (MT) of oxygen from a plant in Bellary meant for western Maharashtra.