MUMBAI: Almost two years after the pandemic began, the city may be completely unlocked by February-end, said mayor Kishori Pednekar on Tuesday.
Citing rapidly dropping cases—from 20,971 on January 7 to 447 on Tuesday—and the fact that 100% vaccination of the adult population could be completed by this weekend as the reasons for reopening, Pednekar said the use of face masks would continue to be mandatory. Doctors and public administrators TOI spoke to also said masks and other Covid protocol must be followed.
For the rest of the state, chief secretary Debashis Chakrabarty told TOI a review would be done this week.
BMC to take a call next week on further relaxing of curbs
BMC additional commissioner Suresh Kakani said the administration would watch the Covid trend for another week in the city before relaxing curbs further. “Most norms were relaxed a week ago (January 31). Ideally, we should provide a 15-day period to observe the effects of the unlocking. Hence, we will take a call next week on further easing.”
BMC executive health officer Dr Mangala Gomare said: “It will be two years in March since the Covid lockdown began in Mumbai. Even the third wave peak has declined and we are down to the tail, which is between 300 and 400 at the moment.’’ Pointing out that hospital admissions are down, she added: “Epidemiologically speaking, it is time to open up but the state Covid-19 task force will take a call,’’ she said.
Chief secretary Debashis Chakrabarty said the government will hold status quo as of now and assess whether the situation is ripe for complete unlocking during the week.
Unlocking has become the global buzzword over the past week with many Scandinavian countries announcing relaxed travel norms; many countries such as the UK have even waived the need to wear a face mask, except in public transport.
In India, however, experts believe the use of mask, and the protocol of maintaining physical distance and frequent handwashing should not be relaxed. “Most of the countries that have relaxed their norms are thinly populated compared to Indian cities. The air pollution levels are lower and they have better ventilation,” said Dr Shashank Joshi, a member the state’s Covid task force.
“We all still need to use face masks and take utmost precaution in crowded areas following the government mandate,” reiterated mayor Kishori Pednekar. “Vaccination for the 15- to 17-year-olds has received a lesser response, but people now realise there is no other way. By February-end, we may go into unlock mode completely and it’s a good thing for everyone,” she added.
Covid curbs were eased further on January 31 in 11 districts, including Mumbai, by increasing the number of guests at weddings, re-opening swimming pools, etc and extending hours for restaurants and movie halls to pre-Covid timings.
While vaccination has improved in most districts, some rural areas are seeing a rise in active cases. So, relaxations are likely in one or two districts such as Nagpur and Wardha, which are inching closer to 70% second dose coverage.
“We want to take a cautious approach and evaluate the districts not just on vaccination but also whether there has been a spike in cases. We may even look at some districts bi-weekly,” said Chakrabarty. He said the evaluation will take place any day after the cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
(With inputs from Nisha Nambiar in Pune)
