If Covid-19 cases rise, restrictions will become inevitable in Maharashtra: Minister Aslam Shaikh

Amid a steady rise in Covid-19 cases, the Maharashtra government is keeping a close tab on the situation. If the daily cases rise above the 1,000-mark, then there will be a need to impose restrictions yet again, cabinet minister, Aslam Shaikh, said.

"The state government asserts that it is keeping a close tab on the situation and would take a call on the restrictions keeping in mind the prevailing situation," he stated.

Covid-19 cases have been gradually rising in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, yet again. In fact, on Thursday, May 26, the state recorded over 500 fresh cases. The financial capital too saw a substantial rise in cases as it crossed the 300-mark.

This comes at a time when the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has said that there could be an onslaught of the fourth wave which would peak in the month of September.

Keeping in mind the possibility of a fourth wave, BMC has already stated that all its jumbo Covid-19 facilities will remain functional at least till September.

Dr Rahul Pandit, Director-Critical Care at Fortis Hospitals and Member of the National Covid-19 Taskforce and state task force said, "If we adhere to all the guidelines and follow precautionary measures, then we will be able to effectively control the virus. Considering the Omicron variant, it is important to not just look at the positivity rate, but also look into other factors."

"These include the number of admissions to hospitals, ICU units, oxygen requirement and the mortality rate, which is currently quite low. It is recommended that you wear a mask in close and confined spaces with poor air ventilation. Additionally, it is important that every individual follows the vaccination protocol issued by the ICMR and the government bodies and gets vaccinated when their turn comes," he added.

Another expert, Dr Gautam Bhansali of the Bombay Hospital and coordinator of private hospitals in Mumbai, feels that rather than a fourth wave, there could soon be a sudden spurt in cases in certain pockets of the state.

"The danger is far from over. The pandemic hasn't gone completely. So, people need to stay alert and exercise caution. A precautionary booster dose is equally important and one must not avoid it. Just like after the second dose, the impact of Omicron was lessened. In the same way, if there is a spurt in the cases, then the impact will be lessened with the booster shot," Bhansali said.