Maharashtra lockdown: 14 days extension decision soon?

Despite the dip in the daily covid cases count, Maharashtra is still the largest contributor to the nation’s total count as compared to peers. In this regard, the state government on Wednesday during a cabinet meeting will be reviewing the situation and decide on whether to further, extend the lockdown-like measures amid the havoc created by the virus.

Maharashtra reported 40,956 new covid cases on Tuesday, a sharp rise from 37,236 logged a day ago, taking the tally to 51,79,929, while 793 more patients succumbed to the infection, according to the state health department.

Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope also stated, “The state government in the cabinet meeting on Wednesday will review the situation and decide on whether to extend these lockdown-like measures or not.”  

He adds, there is a rising demand that the full lockdown in Maharashtra should be extended by two more weeks, as the existing lockdown under the ‘Break The Chain’ order will end on May 15.  

Amid the shortage of vaccines in Maharashtra, the state government has only allowed vaccination above 45 years old. In this regard, Health Minister Rajesh Tope alleged that the central government not fulfilling its responsibility to provide an adequate number of vaccine doses to states.

Tope told reporters, "The Union government has not provided enough vials of Covaxin and Covishield, hence we had to divert our own Covaxin stock, purchased for the 18-44 years age group, for the above- 45 age group," adding "The Union government is not fulfilling its responsibility of providing sufficient quantity of vaccine."

The minister said that the Centre should help the existing two vaccine-makers in the country -- Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute of India -- to enhance their production.

Along with Maharashtra, many other states have been opting for complete lockdown on weekly basis, it includes, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, among others.