One day after the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Uddhav Thackeray warned of a possible confinement In the state, he held separate meetings with various stakeholders on Saturday to build consensus on the restrictions that he said should be imposed to break the chain of transmission of Covid-19.
Maharashtra recorded 49,447 new infections on Saturday, its biggest increase in a day since the pandemic began last year. The total case burden is now 29.53 lakh, of which 4.01 lakh are active cases. From 1.3 lakh on March 15, the number of active cases in the state has nearly tripled.
There were 277 deaths on Saturday, bringing the total to 55,656 statewide.
Covid testing will take place outside the Gateway of India in Mumbai on Saturday. (AP)
Mumbai also passed the 9,000 mark, recording 9,108 cases, its biggest single-day increase yet. Thackeray consulted with senior journalists, gym and multiplex theater owners, as well as people from the Marathi theater and film industry.
On Friday, the prime minister had said he would consult experts and political leaders before making a decision on the restrictions and the shutdown. Guidelines on strict restrictions are likely to be released on Sunday, the sources said.
“We need to get on with ‘life first, then work.’ To do this, some steps must be taken. We cannot ignore the situation and we will have to make every effort to break the chain of infection, ”Thackeray said during the meeting with representatives of the Marathi film industry and owners of multiplex cinemas.
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While he maintained that people no longer fear Covid-19 and that this had led to oversight, he underscored the need to raise awareness that the disease was still present and dangerous.
Thackeray said that everyone must stand together against the pandemic.
“If the situation continues like this, the state will be overwhelmed by more cases. In the past, we have gradually imposed and lifted restrictions. The time has come to make the decision in the interest of the State. It will be in everyone’s interest and everyone should cooperate, ”he added.
In his meeting with editors, he stressed that the media has a crucial role to play in the fight to prevent infections and focus on prioritizing public health. “The feeling that we are all fighting together must be developed among the public by the media,” Thackeray said.
He said the government is also looking at how to take advantage of the services of retired and veteran doctors and nurses, and how to use the e-ICU.
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