The Gujarat government, on Tuesday, extended partial lockdown in eight big cities and 36 small cities till May 18, even as the state has been registering more than 10,000 for more than two weeks. Stores selling essential commodities, vegetable and grocery shops, and medical shops will remain open in these cities.
On Tuesday, as many as 10,990 new cases were reported from the state, taking the total number of cases to 7,03,594. In the last 24 hours, 118 more died. The death toll in the state now stands at 8,629.
So far, 5,63,133 persons have been discharged. According to the state government, 1,43,79,365 people have been vaccinated. Gujarat is also vaccinating those above 18 years.
Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said with joint efforts of the government, doctors and people, the number of daily infections has come down from 14,500 on April 27 to 11,000 on Tuesday.
He, however, said to keep people safe and to ensure that not much inconvenience is caused to them, the night curfew from 8pm to 6am has also been extended for a week.
Gymnasiums, malls, commercial complexes, multiplexes, theatres and gardens will remain closed.
The government, which has been at the receiving end of the criticism from opposition Congress, rights groups, activists and even the Gujarat High Court for allegedly not handling the second wave of COIVD-19 well, is now taking steps to increase the number of beds and availability of oxygen in both cities and villages where COVID-19 care centres have been set up.
In his media interactions in the last couple of days, Rupani has been saying that the state has been gearing up to fight the third wave.
Sources said Mahatma Mandir, a dream project of Narendra Modi during his tenure as chief minister of Gujarat, will be converted into a 1,200-bed hospital, within a fortnight. However, there is no confirmation as yet. The hospital will also have oxygen beds.
Mahatma Mandir is the convention centre that hosts Vibrant Gujarat Summits, Global meets and mega conventions.