Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Tuesday informed that Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will announce his decision on lockdown in the state on Wednesday after 8 pm.
In a media briefing, Tope said, “Today after 8 pm, the Chief Minister will announce the decision on lockdown in the state. We have requested the CM to announce a complete lockdown in the state. This was the request of all Ministers to the Chief Minister. Now it is his decision.”
“We have not yet received any letter from the Centre about the vaccination program for those above 18 years. The Chief Minister has said that the vaccination drive will be conducted in full swing and if needed we will take permission from the Centre to purchase vaccines from other countries,” said the state Health Minister. He further emphasised the shortage of oxygen as the numbers of Covid cases are accelerating.
Maharashtra Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde reiterated the necessity of lockdown to contain the Covid-19 pandemic. “We have demanded complete lockdown in the cabinet meeting. The cases are increasing. There is a scarcity of oxygen. There is no way out other than a complete lockdown,” Shinde told the media.
This comes after the Maharashtra government’s decision of complete lockdown on weekends has failed to contain the Covid-19 situation. Former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that his party supports the decision of weekend lockdown and appealed to the people to follow the restrictions.
Maharashtra Minister Aslam Sheikh said, “Looking at the shortage of supply of medical oxygen, Maharashtra is heading towards a complete lockdown; guidelines regarding it will be announced soon.”
Maharashtra Government has cancelled the Class Xth board examination because of the Covid-19 pandemic situation. “Given the worsening situation of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Maharashtra Government has now decided to cancel the state board exams for class Xth,” said Maharashtra School Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad.
With ANI inputs