Rajesh Tope asks citizens to prepare for strict Covid restrictions in Maharashtra

The political parties and leaders seem to be divided over a total lockdown in the state

Staff members and others visiting a Sessions Court stand in a queue to register themselves for Covid-19 tests. Credit: PTI Photo

With the political spectrum divided over lockdown, the Maharashtra government on Wednesday asked citizens to prepare themselves for strict restrictions amid the worsening Covid-19 pandemic situation.

“There has not been any decision yet on lockdown and discussions are on at various levels. However, one thing is for sure that there are going to be strict restrictions,” public health and family welfare minister Rajesh Tope told reporters.

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According to him, the citizens should start preparing for strict norms. “People should be ready for it,” he warned.

In the next weekly Cabinet meeting presided over by chief minister Uddhav Thackeray there would be a comprehensive review of the Covid-19 pandemic situation, the second wave, new strains and the vaccination programme.

Read | Covid-19: Maharashtra parties, leaders divided over lockdown

“Today, there is no shortage of beds, medicines, and doctors. If the number of cases keeps rising, then, we’ll have to make some decisions,” he said in the wake of the government's decision to beef up health infrastructure and increase bed strength including oxygen beds, ICU beds and ventilator beds.