Maharashtra districts asked to ramp up measures to curb Covid surge

On Tuesday, Maharashtra recorded 9,927 cases of Covid-19 and 56 fatalities, taking the Covid tally to 22,38,398. Of these, 95,322 are active cases.

With the number of cases of Covid-19 increasing in the state, district administrations have been asked to implement measures to control the surge. These include identifying micro-containment zones; increased contact-tracing; and not allowing any large gatherings, which includes weddings as well as political and religious events. Chief minister Uddhav Thackeray is expected to address citizens this week.

(Satish Bate/HT Photo)

On Tuesday, Maharashtra recorded 9,927 cases of Covid-19 and 56 fatalities, taking the Covid tally to 22,38,398. Of these, 95,322 are active cases. There were 12,182 recoveries on Tuesday. The total death toll stands at 52,556.

Mumbai recorded 1,012 new cases of Covid-19 and two deaths on Tuesday. The city’s Covid tally is 3,35,595 cases and the total number of deaths from Covid is 11,510. Mumbai guardian minister Aslam Shaikh said the possibility of imposing partial lockdown or night curfew in the city could not be ruled out. Local authorities have been empowered to take a decision on enforcing a lockdown as and when necessary, he said. “If numbers continue to rise the same way then there is a possibility of night clubs being closed down first in the city. We cannot deny the possibility of a night curfew or partial lockdown if this continues. We are fining people for not wearing masks. We may have to shut places like beaches and Gateway of India where people gather in the evenings. People need to take precautions,” said Shaikh.

On Monday, chief minister Uddhav Thackeray had held a meeting with the state’s task force and district collectors. The task force has also asked the state to ramp up vaccination drive and consider door-to-door services. Thackeray may address citizens later this week.

Officials said Maharashtra has around 70 pockets with positivity rates that are higher than their neighbouring areas, officials said. “Districts have been asked to increase contact tracing to 30 people in these specific pockets,” a state official said.

On Tuesday, Thane district released a list of 16 zones where lockdown will be in place till March 31. Thane Municipal Corporation has announced limited lockdown in micro-containment zones in 16 hotspots, which include prominent areas like Hiranandani Estate, Srinagar, Runwal Garden city, Balkum and Shivai Nagar. On Tuesday, Thane city and Pune city reported 210 cases and 1,110 cases of Covid-19 respectively. Last week, Pune Municipal Corporation had identified containment zones in areas like Hadapsar-Mundwa, Bhavanipeth and Kotrud.

Jalgaon district administration announced a janata curfew between March 12 and March 15. District collector Abhijit Raut said only essential services will be allowed to function during this period. Jalgaon has reported over 400 cases daily for the past three days. On Tuesday, Jalgaon (city and rural) recorded 761 cases.

In the past month, lockdown has been enforced in Akola and Amravati districts, while weekend lockdowns were in place in Aurangabad and Nagpur districts. Some districts also imposed night curfews to restrict movement. So far, there are no restrictions on inter-district movement.

Jitendra Papalkar, district collector of Akola, said, “The state machinery has been asked to make sure Covid protocol is strictly adhered to. While these measures have been in place over the year, all districts have been asked to ramp it up.”

Even districts that are not seeing as sharp a spike in cases are exercising precautions. Nidhi Chaudhary, district collector of Raigad, said, “While cases in Raigad have not increased as much as compared to Jalna, Akola or Amravati, we have been asked to not permit any big gatherings.” Chaudhary said that those eligible for vaccination in containment zones will be permitted to visit the nearest centre.