COVID-19: Maharashtra govt to use Amravati pattern to curb covid spread; Find out what is 'Amravati pattern'

The decision to lockdown to prevent the spread of corona in Maharashtra is likely to be announced at any moment. The Cabinet ministers in the state have also hinted at a lockdown.

Minister in the state government Yashomati Thakur said that if the Amravati model is used in the entire state, the rapidly growing corona infection in Maharashtra can be prevented.

Amravati saw a steep rise in coronavirus cases in the first week of February. By February 14, the town in the Vidarbha district had 2,828 active cases of COVID-19 and added another 1,000 infections by February 18.Its case count surged to 5,012 by February 20 and 6,740 by February 26.

In the wake of the spike, the district administration had initiated a number of measures. Firstly, a weekend lockdown was imposed on February 18.

However, as the situation didn't improve, the authorities announced a fresh lockdown between February 22 and February 28, which was later extended until March 8.

However, government offices and banks were allowed to operate with 15% employees. Goods transportation and industries were also allowed while hotels and restaurants were free to sell parcels.

Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister Yashomati Thakur praised the Amravati pattern of lockdown saying the city was the first to take such a step when the second wave of infections began.

The lockdown restrictions had helped in reducing the number of active cases in Amravati to 2,838 within just three weeks, eventually easing the pressure on local hospitals and healthcare facilities. The recovery rate of coronavirus patients in the city has also jumped from 79% in February to 91% now. On Sunday, Amravati registered 446 new cases.