CM Mulling Re-Imposition Of Lockdown In GHMC Limits

In the wake of increasing Covid-19 cases in GHMC, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao has decided to finalise a strategy to contain the spread of the disease in the next three to four days.

He will take a decision on various proposals for imposition of a lockdown in the GHMC limits for a few days.

The CM also said that there was no need to get anxious or entertain fear about the growing number of positive cases in the city as the government had made all the necessary arrangements to offer proper treatment to all the affected.

A high-level review meeting was held at Pragathi Bhavan on Sunday on the containment of the coronavirus and the treatment available for the patients. Health Minister Etala Rajender, Municipal Administration Minister K T Rama Rao, R & B Minister Vemula Prashanth Reddy, Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar and doctors participated in the meeting.

Rajender explained about the prevailing situation.

"The coronavirus is spreading fast all across the country. Telangana too is seeing an increase in cases. When compared to the national average, however, the death rate in Telangana is lesser. There is no need for fear. The necessary treatment is being given to all the positive patients. We have kept thousands of beds ready in both government and private hospitals, and colleges. Patients who are in a critical condition are being treated in the hospitals. Asymptomatic patients are being given treatment in their homes," Rajender said.

Rajender added that several medical and health officials and medical experts were asking for another 15-day lockdown in the GHMC limits.

Special Chief Secretary (Medical and Health) Shanta Kumari in her report pointed out that the number of deaths due to the virus was very low in the state. Deaths due to Covid-19 at the national level were 3.04% of those infected while they were 1.52% in Telangana. She said that more tests were being conducted in Telangana now, and that all those testing positive were being given the required treatment.

Speaking after all the presentations, KCR said, "Hyderabad is a metropolitan city in which one crore people live. It is but natural that like in other cities in the country, the spread of the coronavirus is high here, too. People have started moving around after the lockdown was lifted. This has led to the spread of the virus. In Chennai the lockdown was re-imposed to contain the spread. Other cities in the country are also thinking along these lines. The health department has also made proposals for a re-imposition of the lockdown in Hyderabad. But a lockdown will be a very major decision. The government machinery and the people should be made ready for this. The police department should especially be kept ready. A cabinet meeting should be convened. A decision on the lockdown should be taken by eliciting views from all those concerned. Let us examine the situation keenly for two to three days. If need be, a cabinet meeting will be convened in 3-4 days to discuss proposals for the lockdown, alternatives and other related issues, and a decision will be taken."