Fresh lockdown is no answer, restrictions will be made stricter: Maharashtra Health Minister

Maharashtra, the worst coronavirus-hit state in India, reported 15,051 COVID-19 confirmed cases in the last 24 hours.

New Delhi: Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Monday (March 15, 2021) said that fresh lockdown is no answer to rising COVID-19 cases in the state. However, the restrictions will be made stricter, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader informed.

"Lockdown is not an option but restrictions will be made more strict," Tope was quoted as saying by PTI news agency.

He also stated, "Tracking, testing and treatment is being followed. The number of tests has also been increased. Weddings and social gatherings are being restricted." 

The minister added that people should observe self-discipline by ensuring physical distancing, wearing face masks and washing hands regularly. 

"Follow rules to avoid new lockdown," Tope gave a strict warning to Maharashtra citizens. 

He highlighted that the COVID-19 vaccination drive in the state is also picking up and over one lakh persons are being given the dose daily.

"There is no shortage of vaccines. All senior citizens should get vaccinated at the earliest," he noted. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Maharashtra has so far vaccinated 28,32,150 people.

This is to be noted Maharashtra is the worst coronavirus-hit state in India. It reported more than 15,000 COVID-19 confirmed cases in the last 24 hours, along with 48 fatalities. The state has so far recorded 23,29,464 coronavirus infections, of which, 52,909 people have succumbed to the virus, while 21,44,743 have recovered.