Nagpur: Maharashtra is expected to see a spike in hospitalization of Covid-19 cases in the last week of January or in the first week of February, as per the state health department.
The health department made this statement on Wednesday during a presentation before the state cabinet. The statement issued by the Chief Minister’s office also stated that there has been a rise in the daily requirement of medical oxygen in the state. The current demand is about 400 metric tonnes.
“If the oxygen demand rises to 700 metric tonnes, then stricter curbs will be required. Considering this fact, the district administration should expedite vaccination and take necessary steps,” chief minister Uddhav Thackeray said during the meeting.
Thackeray further said that fully vaccinated Covid-19 patients don’t require medical oxygen but people need to be vigilant as the UK and the US are witnessing a strain on their health infrastructure. Maharashtra on Wednesday recorded 46,273 fresh Covid-19 cases which includes 86 Omicron infections.
The health department also stated that the current surge Covid-19 cases might peak in mid-February and die down by March end. Higher Education minister Uday Samant in the wake of rising Covid-19 cases in the state said colleges will now shift back to online teaching and announced closure of colleges till February 15.
Ending speculations of lockdown in Nagpur district, Guardian minister Nitin Raut on Tuesday announced closure of schools for classes one to eight till January 31. However, no restrictions were imposed on the timings of the restaurants, hotels and bars.