No Lockdown, Restrictions To Be Made Stricter: Rajesh Tope

The recent spike of Coronavirus cases has become a matter of concern. Maharashtra continues to be the worst impacted state. There are strict measures being adopted in many districts to get the cases in control. Nagpur has imposed a lockdown from today while there is a night curfew in Latur. There is the chatter of a lockdown being imposed in Mumbai as well.

Speaking about the matter, state health minister Rajesh Tope said that lockdown is not the only option that the government has to get the spread under control. He also urged people to COVID-appropriate behaviour at all times and help the government in beating the virus. 

He also mentioned that while the number of cases is on a rise but at the same time the death rate in the state has come down. Tope while addressing the media said that the lockdown is not desirable at this stage but people should brace themselves for stricter measures. 

Rajesh Tope also mentioned that 85 per cent of positive people in the state are asymptomatic. Hence, most of them are advised to be in-home quarantine and follow the process. He mentioned that there is no shortage of beds in the state.

In his interaction with the media, Rajesh Tope mentioned that the state is focusing on the three Ts - Tracking, testing and treatment to tackle this deadly virus. He mentioned that the testing is being ramped up in the places. 

Furthermore, there are also trying to enforce strict measure for crowd control, especially in marriages and gathering. He even urged people to adopt COVID-appropriate behaviour at all times. People have been advised to avoid crowds, wear a mask and maintain social distancing. Following all these measures can ensure that there is no new lockdown in the state. 

Rajesh Tope also spoke about the inoculation drive in the state. He mentioned that the drive has picked up speed. In phase 3 of the vaccination drive, all senior citizens aged 60 can get themselves inoculated. In addition, people above the age of 45 with comorbidities can get a jab. Tope shared that a minimum of one and a half lakh people were getting a jab every day. He urged all people over the age of 60 years to make most of the drive and get themselves vaccinated.