The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced that everyone over 18 has been fully vaccinated with two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine in Mumbai.
According to The Indian Express, the milestone marks Mumbai as the first major city to have all of its citizens 100 per cent vaccinated while having the highest vaccination coverage in all the 36 districts in Maharashtra.
An official for the BMC said: “So far, 10,296,917 first doses have been administered in the 18 plus segment, achieving 111 per cent vaccination of this age group. In the 12 plus population, the city has achieved 93 per cent vaccination.
“So far, 9,492,511 people have been given the second dose of the vaccine out of the originally targeted 10,244,843 people.”
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Municipal commissioner and administrator Abhijit Bangar also confirmed: "All 1,107,454 eligible citizens under Navi Mumbai limits are now fully vaccinated. I am thankful to the people for their wholehearted participation in this drive.”
BMC additional commissioner Suresh Kakani said that despite citizens being shy about getting the vaccine, the numbers eventually increased as more vaccination hubs emerged.
“It is really a proud moment for us. Initially, we experienced lukewarm responses (to vaccination) but gradually, it picked up.
"Now, we have over 350 vaccination centres where we have also roped in retired nurses for vaccination,” he said.
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The news follows the Maharashtra government lifting the last remaining restrictions, including not making the wearing of masks mandatory from April 2, after the region saw a decline in cases.
Though mask wearing would not be enforced, the government said they should still be worn for the ‘health and safety for all’ to help control the spread of the virus.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray announced in March that the lessening of restrictions would also coincide with Gudi Padwa, a Hindi event that marks the beginning of the new year and spring season, The Hindu reported.
“We thank each and every one for cooperating with the government in these difficult times. It is new year and we embark on a new beginning,” he said.
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“While we lift all the restrictions, we urge citizens to voluntarily follow measures such as use of mask and physical distancing.”
Today (April 11), the Maharashtra government shared there were 90 new cases but no recorded deaths in the state.
Charisa Bossinakis