Rising Covid-19 cases in Vidarbha rattles Maharashtra govt

The rising Covid-19 graph in the vast Vidarbha region of Maharashtra – that touches three neighbouring states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Telangana – has rattled the government.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government is in the process of a series of consultation processes to decide on the future course of action.

Thackeray has already made it clear that if people do not cooperate, there could be strict measures or lockdown.

Also read — Why Covid-19 cases are surging in Maharashtra

Close on the heels of the visit of the Central team last week, the state's advisor on Covid-19, Dr Subhash Salunke, had visited and taken stock of the situation.

The Covid-19 task force of the state also has called for strict measures in the Vidarbha region.

Vidarbha is divided into two revenue divisions -- Nagpur and Amravati.

While Nagpur division comprises six districts of Bhandara, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Gondia, Nagpur and Wardha, the Amravati division comprises five districts of Akola, Amravati, Buldhana, Yavatmal and Washim.

Also read — Follow Covid-19 protocols, SOPs or face another lockdown: Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray

Besides the orange city of Nagpur, the hub of Vidarbha region, the other districts of concern are Amravati, Akola, Yavatmal, Buldhana and Wardha.

When one looks at the figures, one can see the Vidarbha region is adding 1,000-plus cases of Covid-19 on a daily basis.

According to figures compiled by the State’s Public Health Department, during the week 8 to 14, the spike in cases in Amravati was 10.69 per cent followed by Wardha (4.62 per cent), Akola (4.27 per cent), Yavatmal (3.96 per cent) and Buldhana (2.28 per cent).

"We have given instructions that the 3T formula of tracing, testing and treatment be implemented strictly, effectively. Testing needs to be increased. Meanwhile, people also need to follow Covid-19 guidelines," state Public Health and Family Welfare Minister Rajesh Tope said.

“There has been carelessness on part of people...citizens need to be careful,” said Women and Child Development Minister Yashomati Thakur, who is the guardian minister of Amravati district. “Necessary instructions and advisory has been issued to people,” added Minister of State for Labour Bacchu Kadu, the guardian minister of Akola district.

In these worst-affected districts, prohibitory orders are in places in certain parts while in some areas, colleges are shut.