Over the last few days, concerns about the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, has grown significantly, and considering the risks, the state government of Maharashtra, post a recent meeting, has planned to raise a request with the central government, regarding suspension of international flights from 12 nations. The nations will be selected keeping the Omicron’s spread in mind, and to implement the same, the CM will soon have a discussion with PM Narendra Modi.
Demands will be made to impose strict guidelines for passengers as restricting their entry will help us tackle the potential spread of Omicron in a timely manner.
Matters regarding this were discussed with the cabinet on Monday, November 29, 2021, whereby he directed the local administrations across all districts to take necessary steps in containing the spread of COVID-19, especially the new variant. While screening the passengers from selected nations currently is a challenge, taking precautions is mandatory.
A report regarding the same was published in the Hindustan Times, which quoted the CM, who said, “The tracing of the international passengers entering Mumbai or Maharashtra through other states and travelling by road is a question before the administration. The airline operators should share the information about the domestic and international passengers with the authorities. It will help us trace the infected passengers and their high-risk contacts.”
Other ministers from the cabinet including the Deputy CM also agreed to the decision, and basis this support, CM Uddhav Thackeray is expected to talk to the PM soon. Meanwhile, State Transport Minister, Anil Parab, informed that the
Furthermore, state transport minister Anil Parab has assured that there will be no lockdown imposed in the state immediately, however, the situation is being monitored closely and the government will get clarity in a week. After thorough discussion, the state cabinet has also decided not to impose any restrictions as of now. Meanwhile, state health minister Rajesh Tope also clarified that the necessary steps are being taken to curb the spread and there is no need to panic. Tracing and monitoring international passengers have begun in Mumbai and information of over a thousand passengers is being gathered for screening. Passengers have been asked to remain under mandatory institutional quarantine for one week.
On the other hand, the winter assembly session has now been cut short to five days and this decision has not been accepted well by the opposition party. Former CM Devendra Fadnavis has expressed his displeasure regarding the same and suggested that the same be extended in the first week of January 2022.
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