Lockdown only as last resort, says Maharashtra Health Minister

With State reporting more patients daily, availability of critical beds is a dire problem: Rajesh Tope

Amid huge rise in COVID-19 cases, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Tuesday said a lockdown over the State would only be imposed as a last resort. He said neither the public desired nor Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and the ruling parties in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) wished to impose a lockdown. Mr. Tope nevertheless said the government would be left with no option if the number of critical patients rapidly exceeded available critical health facilities, putting a heavy strain on the medical infrastructure. “A lockdown is neither loved nor wanted by anyone in the State as it has severe economic repercussions. The Chief Minister does not wish it and neither do any of the three MVA partners. There are no differences within the coalition as well on this count,” said the Minister.