Pune: Rising number of COVID-19 positive patients and the concern over infection mortality rate in Pune city has sparked fear in the administrative circles. With relaxations in the lockdown being implemented, people have stepped out of their home but social distancing norms are not being followed. The civic administration is worried about the careless attitude shown by citizens but has clarified that the decision of re-imposing lockdown will not be taken at the local level. The state and central government will decide and we will act accordingly, say officials.

The number of COVID19 -positive patients have crossed the 12 thousand mark in Pune city with a record break of 620 patients identified on Sunday. The number of coronavirus infection cases is also increasing in Pimpri-Chinchwad and district areas. Some officials say that unless stringent measures are taken, the count won't come under control. The team deployed by the central government for monitoring the situation in the city has also warned Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation that the number of positive cases is going to rise. While citizens have resumed their day to day activities and stepped out of home, they are not following social distancing norms.

Some messages have gone viral on social media claiming that Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad along with Nagar, Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur and Solapur cities will be sealed in the next two days. These messages are being manipulated which has created confusion in the minds of citizens.

Dr Rajendra Shisave, Joint Commissioner of Police (Pune City) said, "The central or state government will take a decision on imposing a lockdown or not. These decisions are not taken on a local level. We are enforcing the orders given by the government on June 1. The assessment of containment zones is in the hands of local administration and this review is going on."

Dr Shekhar Gaikwad, Municipal Commissioner of Pune, said, "Even if the number of COVID-19 patients is increasing in the city, we are working as per the instructions given by the state and central government. If they issue new orders, we will implement those. No decision regarding the lockdown has been taken at the local level."