India’s woes continue as the nation is still struggling for resources like hospital beds, oxygen and medicines amid the second wave of Coronavirus. Not just that, there is a shortage of COVID-19 vaccines especially in Mumbai. In fact, just before the new, huge phase of vaccination, centres in the city have been shut for three days till May 2. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced the same citing lack of adequate doses. The civic body took to Twitter and posted, “Owing to non-availability of vaccine stock, no vaccination will be conducted at any Govt/BMC/Pvt CVC for the next 3 days (30 Apr-2 May). All efforts are being made to make more stock available & resume the drive. We urge Mumbaikars to cooperate with BMC'.”

It has also been said that planned vaccination of citizens aged 18 years and above might also be delayed. On the other hand, the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) in a release said, "The stock of covid vaccine available in Mumbai has almost run out today (April 28, 2021). Due to this, 40 out of 73 private vaccination centers in Mumbai will not be vaccinating on Thursday, April 29, 2021. The remaining 33 private vaccination centres are also available for limited vaccination. For this reason, the citizens who come there for the second dose will be vaccinated with priority and as long as there is a stock of vaccine.”

 
Meanwhile, the government in Maharashtra has announced that existing restrictions will continues with an extended lockdown till 7 am on May 15. Lockdown-like restrictions were implemented on April 14 this year again after surge in COVID-19 cases and while the state has noticed some stability, it is imperative that people continue to break the chain, officials have stated. Accord to India Today, Maharashtra recorded 66,159 new Covid-19 cases and 771 deaths on April 29 and while the cases are multiplying, the administration is determined to curb the curve.

The State Executive Committee has said, “It is imperative to continue emergency measures to prevent and contain the spread of the virus. The govt in the exercise of the powers conferred under Section 2 of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, read with all other enabling provisions of The Disaster Management Act, 2005, finds it is necessary to continue the enforcement of the current restrictions throughout the State beyond 7 am on May 1, 2021 till 7 am on May 15, 2021, to break the chain of transmission effectively.”

Reportedly, Section 144 of the CrPC remains in force across Maharashtra that bars people from stepping outside. Only frontline workers and emergency services personnel are allowed to use local train services in Mumbai and other state transport. Similarly, vegetable shops, grocery stores and milk outlets can remain open only between 7 am and 11 am.

Even Times Of India has quoted chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, warning district administrations about the third wave. The CM has instructed officials to set up oxygen plants without delay and to ensure adequate stock of essential medicines. “In the wake of the third wave, stock up on the essential medicines and take help from local doctors in rural areas.” He has also asked all districts to maintain a record of migrant labourers who are expected to return. “The record should be collected from industries and contractors and precautionary measures, like testing and isolating infected labourers, should be taken.”

It isn’t over yet. So, stay home and stay safe.