With the number of Covid patients rising rapidly and the state preparing for a second wave of the pandemic, the Maharashtra government is stepping up its measures to enforce social distancing and the wearing of masks in the state.
In the city of Mumbai, marshals have been appointed by the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) to fine those who break key rules, such as wearing masks in public places, of £ 200. By March 15, the MCGM had fined 39.07 crore.
A senior Maharashtra government official said marshals could be deployed in other cities to collect the fines. But much will depend on local authorities and their strategy to contain the rising cases.
Meanwhile, Union Health Minister Rajesh Bhushan recently wrote a letter to Secretary of State Sitaram Kunte expressing disappointment with the measures taken to contain the coronavirus infection. A central delegation visited Maharashtra between March 7th and 11th and discussed the situation in Covid with Prime Minister Uddhav Thackeray.
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State Health Minister Rajesh Tope has requested 2.20 crore Covid vaccine doses from the center for the state’s ongoing vaccination campaign. In a communication to the Union Health Minister, he asked for 20 lakh cans to be delivered per week.
The state plans to immunize the age group over 60 and the population over 45 with comorbidities. 2.20 Crore vaccine doses (Covishield and Covaxin) will be required over the next three and a half months.
By March 15, the total number of people vaccinated was 31.33 lakh.
With agency entries.
