There have been speculations that the Maharashtra government could relax COVID-19 curbs from April 1, considering the fall in coronavirus cases reported.
While a final decision will be taken by the state Chief Minister, Uddhav Thackeray claims are being made that the government could do away with curbs like vaccine requirements for people using public transport or going to theatres, malls.
If these restrictions are eased, it could signify a shift back to the pre-COVID era. This means there could be no restrictions on those non-vaccinated for using public transport or people attending weddings, political and social functions.
The health ramifications of this decision could be many. Speaking to Mumbai Live about the same, Dr Harish Chafle, Senior Consultant - Pulmonology and Critical Care at Global Hospitals in Parel, Mumbai said, “If we go back in time, we can see that Maharashtra has consistently reported the highest number of COVID-19 cases in India, with Mumbai being always on the top. It’s also because Mumbai is a connecting point for every other state and country.”
He added, “If we believe in learning from the past, then today's circumstances will be no different from yesterday, Mumbai was and will be the hotspot of coronavirus, simply because Mumbai hosts so many people from different cities and countries. “
Further elaborating on how the highly debated topic of face masks, “Although wearing a mask was always mandatory, not many of us followed the regulations, and people gathered in crowds and roamed around freely as if there had never been any virus.”
This he says was when rules were imposed, he juxtaposed this to a situation if the government decides to lift the curbs. Chafle mentioned, “There will be chaos among people. Mumbai is a populated city, schools are opening and offices are resuming. With overloaded local trains and other modes of transportation going mask-free in Mumbai so soon it will be a bad decision, especially when we haven't achieved 100 per cent vaccination.”
Amid speculations of ease in regulations, many have been demanding that those unvaccinated be permitted in public spaces. Chafle, however, believes this could create an additional mental burden for people who are vaccinated and wish to follow all COVID-19 protocols until the pandemic is completely over. “The case of minor symptoms such as coughing, colds, or breathing difficulties at any public event, might create distress among other people”, he uttered.
Recently, state public health minister, Rajesh Tope, remarked that there hasn’t been any decision yet on mask free Maharashtra taking into account the situation abroad. He urged all to adhere to COVID-19 appropriate behaviour.
Moreover, state minister Aaditya Thackeray while interacting with the media on Wednesday, March 30 elucidated on how the majority of the COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted in Maharashtra, however, they hope that there is no rise in the number of cases again.
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