Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Hints At Another Lockdown As Covid-19 Cases Surge In The State

Ajit Pawar said, "There was a huge crowd during the Diwali period. Even at the time of Ganesh Chaturthi, we saw crowds. We are speaking to relevant departments. We'll review the situation for the next 8-10 days and then the further decision will be taken about the lockdown."

Photo: ANI

Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Sunday hinted at the re-imposition of lockdown in the state in the coming days. This comes after the state witnessed a massive rise in coronavirus cases after the festival season.

Ajit Pawar said, "There was a huge crowd during the Diwali period. Even at the time of Ganesh Chaturthi, we saw crowds. We are speaking to relevant departments. We'll review the situation for the next 8-10 days and then the further decision will be taken about the lockdown."

As Chief Minister of the state, Uddhav Thackeray is expected to address the state at 8 PM, the statement that hinted reimposition of lockdown came earlier on Sunday.

On the other hand, while BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) said that the coronavirus situation in Mumbai is completely under control, data from the last couple of days have shown a steady rise in the number of positive cases.

According to Medical experts, the surge in the number of cases post-Diwali could be due to reverse migration and other factors. Experts say people need to be more careful and that the time period from Diwali to New Year will be critical for Mumbai.

Maharashtra’s Cabinet Minister Aditya Thackeray earlier this week held a review meeting with Deputy Municipal Commissioners (DMCs) of BMC, in presence of the Collector and Additional Municipal Commissioner to assess the coronavirus situation in Mumbai.

After which, Thackeray told the media that administration will take each and every step to ensure that the state may not get hit by the expected third wave of coronavirus disease.

"Every official, minister of the government is reviewing the situation and trying to ensure the third wave of coronavirus does not hit Mumbai. Even if it does, we should be well prepared for it. We have adequate oxygen cylinders, ventilators, and ICU beds to handle the situation. Moreover, we are focusing on prevention and creating as much awareness as possible regarding coronavirus protocols, especially the use of face masks," Aditya Thackeray told the media.

"Until the coronavirus vaccine comes, face masks are the most effective precaution against coronavirus. As the cities are unlocking, we are seeing crowds swelling up again but each person should wear a mask and ensure social distancing,” he further added.