Cannot rule out partial lockdown in Mumbai, says Guardian Minister Aslam Shaikh

Mumbai Guardian Minister Aslam Shaikh said Tuesday if COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the city, the possibility of a curfew or partial lockdown cannot be ruled out. Speaking to reporters at the Vidhan Bhavan complex, Shaikh said the local authorities have the power to take a decision on the lockdown if necessary.

“If the surge in COVID-19 cases continues, there is a chance that nightclubs will close in the city first. We cannot rule out the possibility of a curfew or a partial lockdown,” the minister said.

Shaikh noted that people who do not wear masks are punished in the city.

“We may have to close places like beaches and the Gateway of India where people gather in the evenings,” he said, calling on people to take every precaution.

Mumbai has seen a daily increase of over 1,000 cases in the past few days.

The metropolis has so far reported 3,34,583 COVID-19 cases and 11,508 deaths due to the disease, according to official figures.