No Kolhapur lockdown now, warning of one in Sangli district

KOLHAPUR: Within hours of district guardian minister Satej Patil announcing that there would not be a lockdown in Kolhapur district; two senior leaders said the decision would be reconsidered during a meeting with state health minister.
After the lockdown was imposed in Pune, the demand for a similar measure has been growing. Though a meeting planned to discuss this demand didn’t take place, Patil spoke to district authorities, health experts and various stakeholders before announcing the decision.
“There will not be lockdown in the district. I have, however, asked officials to do all that is needed to stop the spread of infection. The state government will back all their efforts,” Patil said.
However, senior minister and NCP leader Hasan Mushrif and Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatna leader Raju Shetti have sought lockdown in the district. “Satej and I are going to meet health minister Rajesh Tope to discuss possibilities of lockdown. There is need for lockdown to ensure slowing rate of covid cases,” Mushrif said.
Ichalkaranji mayor Alka Swami said the textile town was in lockdown, but restrictions would be eased from Tuesday. She held a video conference with all members of the local civic body. All members are in home quarantine after one of them tested positive. They said even after imposing 100% lockdown, the cases are surging and textile mill workers are losing their workdays and wages.
Sangli district guardian minister and NCP leader Jayant Patil warned a tough lockdown decision would have to be taken if people do not follow social distancing and wear masks. “We will be left with no option but to announce a lockdown if the situation continuese,” he said.