Lockdown-like restrictions extended by 15 days in Maharashtra: Uddhav Thackeray

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. File Pic

Extending the current lockdown-like restrictions in the state by 15 days, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray in a virtual live address on Sunday said even after decline in daily coronavirus cases, current numbers in the state are near peak of previous wave.

As per the revised lockdown guidelines announced by the state government, shops selling essential items can operate between 7am and 2 pm instead of 11 am. For non-essential shops the decision regarding opening shall be taken by respective disaster management authorities but such shops can't open beyond time allotted for essential shops and can't function on weekends.

Thackeray, in his live address, also said that Covid-19 cases are still rising in some districts of Maharashtra.

"The situation is still not completely under control. If the third wave comes, we will increase the beds - but oxygen shortage will still be a problem. It all depends on our behaviour and the measures we take against the virus," said the CM.

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Talking about the black fungus cases in the state, he said there are currently 3,000 cases of Mucormycosis in Maharashtra.

"We have 3,000 cases of Mucormycosis in the state today. The task force is closely keeping a track of this," said Thackeray.

Talking about the condition of oxygen generation in the state, Thackeray said, "Maharashtra's oxygen generation capacity 1,250 MT which was increased to 1,300 MT but daily requirement went up to 1,700 MT."

The "Majha doctor" initiative of the state government will help reach out to family doctors to avoid overmedication and hospitalisation of asymptomatic cases, he said.
"There is a difference between the Covid-19 virus variant between last time and this time. It is more virulent now, spreading fast and taking longer for the patient to recover," he said.

Addressing the issue of Class 12 exams, Thackeray said the decision will be taken soon after talks with the Centre. On children being orphaned by Covid-19, Thackeray said, "If any kid has lost their parents due to Covid-19, the state govt will support them - whether it is for education, or shelter. We are working on this scheme and will announce it soon."

(With PTI inputs)