Mumbai: Shaken by two more deaths, the Maharashtra government is now changing the way it tackles swine flu.
It will allow private hospitals to begin treatment, but will shortlist these over the next two days depending on the facilities available.
If the doctors strongly suspect swine flu, then they will be allowed to start treatment without waiting for a confirmation report.
A top level committee under the chief secretary with health and home officials has been set up. They will hold a daily briefing.
Apart from hospitals the Maharashtra government is also seriously considering how to control crowds.
It has asked people that if they think they have swine flu, they should wear masks in crowded places and avoid crowded, public places.
The government has put off a police recruitment drive and may postpone other sports and cultural events.
While the state government will not be closing cinema halls yet, it will meet with local officials on Monday morning to decide how to handle popular festivals like Janamastmi and Ganesh Chaturthi, both later this month.