We are headed in right direction: BKC jumbo centre's dean on night curfew, lockdown 2.0

Dr. Rajesh Dere, dean of BKC jumbo COVID-19 centre | Pic/Ankita Mishra

With a steep rise in fresh COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra, the state government is mulling to implement lockdown 2.0 albeit much different from last year's, from April 2 or 3 for a limited period.

However, the political class fears that the restrictions, even though not as harsh as the previous lockdown, may end up feeling like a total lockdown. Some leaders from the ruling parties said that it would result in job losses and adversely impact the economy.

Mid-day online spoke to the dean of BKC jumbo COVID-19 centre, Dr Rajesh Dere. He said, "In my personal opinion, a lockdown seems to be the right decision as of now."

He added, "Every lockdown has its own merits and demerits. With a lockdown being implemented, many people, including labourers, will lose their livelihoods. But keeping the current situation in mind, the government has decided to ramp up restrictions and tighten the protocols, evident from the implementation of night curfew. I think we are headed in the right direction."

He added that while it can be said "we are experiencing a sort of second wave; the municipal corporation is way better prepared and equipped to serve the citizens as compared to the pervious lockdown."

(With inputs from Dharmendra Jore)