Maharashtra Health Minister Briefing Over 50 Percent Rise In COVID Cases In 20 days

Health Minister Rajesh Tope said there was no decision yet to impose a lockdown to restrict the movement of people. Lockdown will be imposed only when oxygen demand exceeds 800 MT, he added. Maharashtra has reported a 50% rise in Covid-19 cases over the past 20 days. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray was told at a cabinet meeting on Monday that cases are rising rapidly across the state. Rajesh Tope said, " people should follow the basic Covid-19 norms strictly — masks, social distance, and washing or sanitizing hands. This basic mantra will help to curb the spread,”. The Maharashtra government has already imposed a night curfew from 9 pm to 6 am since December 25. It has also put restrictions on religious and social gatherings, including weddings. No more than 250 people are allowed in open-air gatherings, while a maximum of 200, or 25 percent of capacity, can attend events in enclosed halls.