Amid warnings and mixed reactions by the Maharashtra government and ministers on the lockdown across the state, including Mumbai, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal on Tuesday, March 9, confirmed that there is no immediate need to impose a lockdown in Mumbai.
A day earlier, on March 8, in an interview to a TV Channel, IS Chahal that no additional restrictions will be imposed in Mumbai for now in view of the spike in coronavirus cases. He said that current restrictions will continue to remain in place in Mumbai and urged citizens to follow safety measures such as wearing a face mask in public and maintaining physical distancing.
The BMC commissioner said that there is a need to focus on stricter implementation of COVID rules/restrictions – such as face masks in public places, and less than 50 people in wedding functions.
Officials have, however, warned that if citizens do not follow the COVID-19 protocol, the civic body may be forced to take more stringent steps.
The civic body officials said the highest number of cases are from high-rise buildings. Among all the civic wards, Andheri (West), Chembur, Govandi are major contributors to the active caseload in the city.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Guardian Minister Aslam Shaikh had the time and again warned that if COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the city, the possibility of a night curfew or partial lockdown cannot be ruled out. He has also that local authorities have been empowered to decide on lockdown as and when necessary. Besides, the minister also hinted that nightclubs in the city may be closed soon as many cases against owners have been reported for flouting the norms.
CM Uddhav Thackeray had chaired a state Cabinet meeting on March 7 where the implementation of stricter safety norms, including a partial lockdown, were reportedly discussed. However, a decision in this regard may be taken after reviewing the rise in cases over a week.
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