Holidays may help reduce Covid spread in Mumbai, say experts

MUMBAI: Could this holiday-laced week help control the spread of Covid-19 in the city? Experts such as Dr Shashank Joshi, a member of the state government’s task force on Covid-19, are hoping so.
“The city needs a circuit-breaker to stop transmission of Covid-19. This week, Holi and Good Friday holidays could act as the much-needed circuit-breaker,’’ Dr Joshi said.
Banks too will remain open only for three days (March 30, 31 and April 3) because of public holidays and annual closure, according to United Forum on Bank Unions. “All this will lead to less interaction between people, with less chance of spreading Covid-19 infection,’’ said a doctor.
The second wave of Covid-19 in Mumbai (and Maharashtra) is being blamed on poor Covid-appropriate behavior: People have not been using masks or maintaining social distance.
Although chief minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday directed chief secretary S Kunte to prepare for a lockdown, a review of Covid is likely on April 2.
Many officials said a complete lockdown like last March is unlikely. “We may have restrictions such as certain offices operating from home or close down restaurants for few days,’’ said a BMC official.