Pune: Navratri celebrations in the city this year will also be a low key affair. The local administration has hinted at possible restrictions to be imposed during the upcoming nine day festival of Navratri. The decision has been taken in order to keep the number of Covid-19 cases in the city under control.
It was observed that after the ten day festival of Ganeshotsav in the city in August, the number of coronavirus infections increased. This spike in cases was despite the restrictions imposed on public gatherings and banning of immersion processions. Considering this experience, the local administration is fearing another spike in the coronavirus infection cases in the city if restrictions are not imposed during Navratri celebrations in Pune.
Divisional Commissioner Saurabh Rao and Pune Municipal Commissioner Vikram Kumar addressed media persons on Tuesday. During this press conference the officials hinted at restrictions to be imposed during Navratri celebrations in Pune.
Rao said, “The number of Covid-19 cases being reported in the city had declined before Ganeshotsav. However, after the ten day festival the cases increased dramatically. This effect was seen in the Covid-19 cases count for two weeks that is till September 17. Hence citizens should take care during the Navratri festival.”
“After Navratri, Dusshera and Diwali are two major festivities. We need to be cautious while stepping out of our homes as the Covid-19 spread is still increasing,” Rao added.
Covid-19 cases in Pune city
Vikram Kumar said, “About 1900 cases were reported in the city for two weeks after the 10-day Ganeshotsav was over. That count reduced to 1700 cases daily from September 18 to 26. Now it has further gone down to 1400 to 1500 cases being reported daily.”
“Earlier, the Pune Municipal Corporation control room was receiving 300 calls on average daily for requesting vacant hospital beds in the city. Now the number of these calls has reduced to 125 daily,” Kumar informed.