Amid a massive surge in COVID-19 cases, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday warned of a complete lockdown in the state if the current situation prevails in the state. He also said that decision will be taken after speaking to experts and political leaders in the next two days.
“Today, I am waring about complete lockdown but not announcing it. I will speak to experts and political leaders in the next two days. If there is no other option other than a lockdown, we will have to accept it,” the Chief Minister said in a televised address.
The Chief Minister also pointed out that the state would fall short of medical personnel if the current situation continues.
"We will increase the number of beds, ventilators, oxygen but what about health professionals? How will we get more manpower? In the last one year, most of them have suffered from COVID," he said.
"There could be a shortage of healthcare infrastructure if the COVID19 situation deteriorates. We are in a Catch 22 situation - should we look at economy or health?" he added.
Seeking cooperation from political leaders, Thackeray appealed to the political parties not to politicise the situation. “I urge all political leaders not to play politics with the lives of people. The government is taking initiatives for the safety of people, to restart economic activities and save jobs,” he said.
Thackeray further said he is ready to be labelled a villain for people’s safety. “Don't play with people's lives. I am ready to become a villain for protecting people," the CM said.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra has reported 47,827 new COVID-19 cases, it's highest daily rise since the coronavirus pandemic began last year, and 202 deaths on Friday.
Mumbai recorded its highest number of cases since the pandemic began, reporting 8,884 cases, While Pune reported 9,086 new cases in the last 24 hours. Several districts in the state have also announced special restrictions like night curfew.
The total caseload of the state now stands at 29.04 lakh, of which 3.89 lakh are active cases.
