More restrictions likely if number of Covid-19 patients rise rapidly: Ajit Pawar

Devotees queue up outside Siddhivinayak temple on New Year`s Eve. Pic/Atul Kamble

Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar on Saturday said that if the numbers of Covid-19 patients keep increasing in the state then then government may have to impose more restrictions.

"To take a decision about lockdown we have to see at what rate infections are increasing on the daily basis. If the number of patients starts increasing rapidly then unwillingly time would come for the government to take further strict decisions on restrictions to curb the spread but I wish that such a situation doesn't arrive," he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister further added that everyone has to follow rules and guidelines stated by the state government and administration irrespective of the kind of events and programs. "Crowding has to be minimized. This new Variant of covid is infecting people rapidly and at a faster pace," he said.

Maharashtra government has also warned citizens of the possibility of 8 million cases and 80,000 deaths as the third wave has apparently set in the state.

"Number of Covid infections in the third wave is going to be very huge," said Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Dr. Pradeep Vyas in a missive to all district collectors and health officials late on Friday.

"If there are 80 lakh Covid cases in third wave..., even if 1 per cent case fatality is presumed, we can land up with 80,000 deaths," said Dr. Vyas in the grim communication.

He called upon the official "not to be lulled" by the narratives that the third Covid/ Omicron wave is mild and not fatal.

"It is equally fatal for those who are not vaccinated and have comorbidities. So please improve vaccination coverage and save lives," appealed Dr. Vyas.

(With agency inputs)