Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray Saturday indicated that the state government would likely impose a longer lockdown of up to 15 days to contain the pandemic, starting Monday, April 12.
On Saturday, the most hit state observed the first day of a weekend lockdown after five days of daytime restrictions and night curfews.
According to Indian Express, the exact duration — 15 days or until April end — is likely to be announced on Sunday after CM’s meeting with the state COVID-19 task force.
In the past 24 hours, Maharashtra recorded 55,411 fresh COVID-19 cases with 9,330 cases in Mumbai.
The active caseload in the state is more than half million (5.36 lakh.)
Speaking at an all-party meeting held virtually to review the Covid-19 situation in the state, the CM also said that his government will address the issues of the livelihood of the poor, labourers and daily-wagers.
“The number of patients is increasing so fast that if we do not decide on a lockdown today, a lockdown-like situation will automatically arise tomorrow. Today the situation is getting worse. We are also constantly considering COVID- 19 task force experts in the state,” a statement issued by Chief Minister’s Office quoted him as saying.
“On the one hand there is a public sentiment but on the other hand, there is an outbreak of coronavirus, in which case if you want to win this battle you have to go through some hardships,” he said.
