Mumbai: After reviewing the surge in Covid cases with omicron waves, the state government on Wednesday said it would not impose the lock but would apply “augmented restrictions” to control activities that were not important and prevent the hassle when needed.
“It doesn’t need to lock 100% at this stage.
We will apply augmented restrictions if needed.
Suggestions will be sent to CM Uddhav Thackeray for his approval,” said Minister of Health Rajesh Tope after a review meeting chaired by representative cm ajit pawa.
A senior official said the meeting of restrictions would most likely take place on Thursday.
This can include a reduction in office presence and restrictions on shop timings and restaurants.
Train commuter restrictions can also be on the card.
“There is no doubt that restrictions must be introduced to immediately remember the transmission speed,” said a senior official.
Tope said the case was expected to multiply for a period of 3 days.
A total of 70 legislators and more than 10 ministers have been tested positively.
“The encouraging news is that more than 90% of patients do not show symptoms and only 1-2% are needed inpatient,” he said.
At Wednesday’s meeting, the state decided to reduce the quarantine period of up to 7 days followed by a negative RT-PCR test.
Also, to allow the use of fast antigen tests to detect the virus instead of RT-PCR tests and become more stringent about vaccination, especially the second dose.
It has also decided to allow private hospitals to vaccinate health workers’ drivers.
“In the current scenario, house isolation is important.
Instead of searching for contacts, the authorities will monitor those who are in house isolation.
We have decided to reduce the quarantine period to seven days.
After this, RT-PCR negative will be needed for patients , “Tope said.
He said given the volume of tests anticipated in the coming days, the state has decided to allow a quick antigen test to detect cases.
“Quick antigen tests will be available at kiosks and pharmacies in the state, and the results will be recorded on our portal.
The RT-PCR test will not be needed for detection,” Tope said.
With Omicron now the main variant in the state, it doesn’t need to test and distinguish between strains, he said.
He also said the country would take more stringent steps to increase vaccination, especially the second dose.
“There is no doubt of symptoms lighter this time, and the analysis is that vaccination is responsible for these changes.
We will become more stringent to uphold vaccination,” he said.
At a booster dose for health workers, Tope said the state will change the rules to enable vaccination in private hospitals and also they have a vaccine stock.
He denied that the country did not use funds sent by the Covid Help Center.
“The center sends funds in September for the Covid Emergency response program 2.
This has been transferred to the district level, which requires time.
There are also some problems that place bookings on the Permata portal,” he said.