As experts have warned of the third wave of coronavirus ahead of the festive seasons, two districts in the Konkan region have imposed several travel curbs.
According to reports, districts in the Konkan region have mandated a compulsory RT-PCR negative test report on arrival for travellers, except for those who are fully vaccinated and under 18 years of age.
This decision was taken ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi as a sizeable number from Mumbai, Thane and Pune are expected to travel to their native towns and villages in these Konkan districts for the 10-day Ganpati festival.
The two districts, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, have limited healthcare facilities and a higher positivity rate than the state’s average. Therefore, teams have been posted at entry points in both districts to check travellers' status. Those vaccinated have to show their final certificates. An official said that there is no way to ban travel hence, these are some of the steps that the districts are taking to reduce the spread of the virus.
The measures are based on the administrations' experiences during the previous waves. As per reports, last year, the state saw a huge surge in cases in September, right after the festive season in August.
Meanwhile, the state health minister Rajesh Tope pointed out that the Onam festival in Kerala led to a huge surge in cases and Maharashtra has to learn from that.
The restrictions imposed are for the benefit of the people. It is expected that all citizens follow them, Tope added.
However, the opposition parties have however criticised the move and have demanded that the mandate asking for a negative RT-PCR test be withdrawn.
Share
Tweet
