<span style="color: #222222;">In Maharashtra, the rapidly increasing numbers of fresh cases of Covid-19 and also the rising death toll have created wooes for the state administration. In a meeting with the Covid task force held this afternoon in Mumbai Chief Minister Udhdha Thackeray has discussed the need to curb the further spread of the infection. He directed the administration to plan imposing strict lockdown once again across the state in the next few days.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">He also expressed dissatisfaction that despite repeated appeals people not wearing masks and also not maintaining safe distancing in public places and ceremonies. He said that ultimately, protecting people's health is his government's priority and if situation arises, there might be lockdown like situation once again. While, the task force informed the CM about the soon to be arising inadequecy of oxygen beds and other health facilities due to increasing caseload.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Speaking on the occasion, Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte informed that the pace of vaccination in Maharashtra has been satisfactory and the number of tests had improved in the last few days. He informed that appropriate instructions are being given to the administration to ensure that there is no confusion and proper coordination is maintained if another lockdown is decided. He added that balance will be maintained so that the financial cycle will not get affected.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Health Minister Dr. Rajesh Tope Speaking also expressed the need to expedite the search for patients and their contacts in rural areas. He said there was a challenge to provide health care facilities, especially in the remote rural parts. He added that for that steps would be taken to focus on e-ICU. He said that vaccination in Maharashtra is getting good response  and if the cold chain will be available in rural areas vaccination at sub-centers will be increased. He said that even in the age group of 10 to 18 years, there is a high incidence of infection and in future, the death rate among the youth may also increase.</span><br />