Maharashtra Govt amid COVID resurgence: No lockdown, but STRICT restrictions soon

.In the wake of rising coronavirus cases, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Wednesday chaired a meeting with top government officials and reportedly decided to impose additional restrictions across the state to curb the further spread.

However, it has decided to not impose a full lockdown yet. If reports are to be believed, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra government may issue fresh guidelines by tonight.

Earlier on Tuesday, fresh guidelines were issued to enhance surveillance of international travellers arriving at Mumbai International Airport from abroad. Under the latest protocols, all international passengers will have to undergo rapid RT-PCR tests on arrival. If negative, passengers will be allowed to leave and stay under 7-day home quarantine. Those found positive to undergo institutional quarantine.

Prior to that, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had modified rules for sealing buildings in Mumbai. As per lasted order of BMC, a residential building will be sealed only if at least ten COVID-19 cases are detected on the premises.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government has asked the Centre to increase the stocks of Molnupiravir and other anti-viral drugs used to treat COVID-19 as the cases increase. The state has also asked the Union health ministry to bring down the prices of ready-made monoclonal antibodies