COVID-19: After CM Uddhav Thackeray, Mumbai mayor warns of harsher restrictions

Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar. File pic

After Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray warned of strict measures and even more restrictions, indicating a lockdown amid rising COVID cases, Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar, too, has hinted that a lockdown-like situation might arrive on Friday.

With every day adding 5,000 to 6,000 COVID-19 cases, strict steps are required to arrest the growth of the infection, the mayor has said.

According to Pednekar, the city is likely to see measures like restrictions on train travel for common citizens, the closing of religious places, malls and theatres. Further, to ensure rules are followed, the BMC may raid hotels, restaurants and private offices to ensure 50 per cent occupancy.

While talking to the media on Thursday, she said, "Government is planning strict measures to control the spread of the virus because there is so much crowd in the markets and people are not following social distancing. Authorities are also mulling to allow shops to remain open only on alternate days. Mumbai is in the danger zone in terms of rising cases," said Pednekar, adding that the restrictions could be imposed Friday onwards.

"The BMC is increasing the number of beds from 16,000 to 25,000, even if the beds lie vacant. We want to be prepared and not fall short of anything at the last minute," Pednekar said, adding that although the infection rate is currently lower in slums and chawls, the city needs to prepare itself for the worst.

According to the BMC, around 3,933 beds are available.

3,933
No. of beds available till March 31 as per BMC data