Maharashtra Health Minister Tope hints at fresh restrictions as state sees sharp rise in Covid-19 cases

The State tally of active cases has soared above 11,000 as NCP MP Supriya Sule tests positive

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Mumbai: As Maharashtra is witnessing a steep increase in Covid-19 active cases over the past few days, state Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Wednesday hinted that more new restrictions across the state would be put in place soon if people did not strictly follow the pandemic norms. 

Pointing to the active case tally in Maharashtra which had stood between 5,000-6,000 till a couple of weeks back, has now shot up to 11,492, the Maharashtra Health Tope expressed alarm on the rapid doubling of active cases.  

Tope remarked, “It is being seen that social functions and gatherings are being organised in an unbridled manner with people throwing all caution to the winds by not adhering to pandemic norms. If people do not follow rules, cases will rise exponentially, and in that event, the possibility of a further tightening of norms cannot be ruled out.” He pointed out that the New Delhi government has tightened restrictions on social activities in malls, restaurants and weddings halls. 

The Health Minister stated the city of Mumbai particularly has seen a drastic rise in fresh Covid-19 cases amongst all the cities in Maharashtra. Tope said that Mumbai was reporting barely 300 cases daily a few days ago, and is now reporting more than 1,300 cases daily. 

Tope further remarked, “The cases here are expected to rise further…they have risen sevenfold in the last week or so. We are conducting 51,000 tests daily in Mumbai alone, but even after this, the case positivity rate is 4% which is certainly not good news.” 

He also expressed concern at the slow pace of vaccination, remarking that the daily vaccination rate in the State has fallen from eight lakh doses to five lakh doses. 

“I urge the local leadership, be they MLAs from all political parties, or NGOs or religious leaders to come together and dispel negative notions prevailing among certain communities regarding vaccination,” said Tope. 

In another development, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MP from Baramati, Supriya Sule, daughter of NCP chief Sharad Pawar, has tested positive for Covid-19. Supriya Sule and her husband, Sadanand Sule, have tested positive.  

In a Tweet she said there was no cause for any concern but urged all those who had come in contact with them in the last few days to get themselves tested. 

Given the rapid rise in new cases, an emergency meeting was held in the Mumbai corporation between senior authorities and Mumbai Suburban District Guardian Minister Aaditya Thackeray. Meanwhile, Tope informed that Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will be holding a meeting of the State task force on Covid-19 soon. 

Environment Minister Aaditya Thackeray, “There is no need to panic at this stage. While it is natural for everyone to be in a celebratory mood on the eve of the new year, we have nonetheless taken measures to prevent large parties taking place at public places.” He further clarified that there was no decision as yet on closing schools again as of now, he said that restrictions would be tightened if the need arose.