'Third Wave Is Here': Maharashtra Minister Nitin Raut Warns Of Imposing Curbs Ahead Of Ganesh Chaturthi

Maharashtra reported 3,626 new coronavirus cases on Monday and 37 fresh fatalities, taking the infection tally to 64,89,800 and the death toll to 1,37,811. 

Covid testing in Maharashtra

New Delhi: Just a few days ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, district guardian minister, Dr. Nitin Raut has said that the third wave has started. While speaking to the media on Monday he said that some restrictions will be imposed but the final decision will come after discussing with the public representatives. 

"Today, after a long time, we have come down to twice as many positive cases. We have a third wave," news agency ANI quoted the minister as saying.

"A disaster management meeting will be held soon. It has been decided to impose some restrictions but we will take a final decision in consultation with the representatives of the people in this regard," he added.

According to an HT report, Raut informed the enhanced curb might include restaurants being allowed to remain open till 8 pm instead of 10 pm. The administration might also ask shops, other establishments to remain open till 4 pm and a complete shutdown on weekends.

Meanwhile, Mumbai has reported over 28 percent of the total COVID-19 cases it had recorded in the entire month of August in the first six days of this month, according to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's data. 

Mumbai on Monday reported 379 fresh coronavirus positive cases and five fatalities, taking the tally of infections to 7,46,725 and the death toll to 15,998. The city is now left with 3,771 active cases, a BMC official said according to PTI.

Suresh Kakani, the additional municipal commissioner, was quoted in the report as saying that in view of the current situation, the Mumbai civic body has decided to ramp up COVID-19 testing, hire more clean-up marshals to fine people spitting at public places, and keep jumbo COVID-19 centres ready.

Maharashtra reported 3,626 new coronavirus cases on Monday and 37 fresh fatalities, taking the infection tally to 64,89,800 and the death toll to 1,37,811.