Avoid crowding, wear mask: Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray urges people ahead of festivals

MUMBAI: Amid indications of a possible surge in COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has warned that there is no room for showing complacency as the state government is preparing to deal with a third wave of the infection.

The Chief Minister said that “there was a surge in COVID-19 cases after festivals last year. I request all of you to avoid crowding.’’ “Wearing a face mask is important even after vaccination,” the Maharashtra Chief Minister added.

Thackeray made these remarks while addressing the virtual Majha Doctor conference during which he said the government has strengthened the health infrastructure and it is in the midst of increasing the oxygen capacity to 3,000 MT from the present level of 1200 to 1400 MT to meet the demand in the wake of the third wave. 

At present, 300 MT of oxygen is supplied for COVID-19 and other patients in the state.

The Shiv Sena chief strongly criticized the BJP and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena without directly naming them for their agitation for the reopening of the temples in the state. 

“There are people who are in a hurry demanding the reopening of everything. I urge them not to bring politics during the present coronavirus pandemic. If they want to agitate, they should do it against the virus,’’ he noted.

Thackeray also strongly justified the government’s move to slowly and carefully reopen various activities in the state. He recalled despite severe curbs last year after the festive season in September there was a surge in COVID-19 cases. 

“Now the government has relaxed several curbs. There is an upcoming Ganesh Utsav. I want people not to be complacent, avoid crowding in order to avoid the spread of the virus and its infection. I also urge political parties to avoid crowding,’’ he said.

The Shiv Sena leader had earlier said that even though some districts have shown a steady decline in COVID-19 cases, some others are still exhibiting an upward trend, but the number of patients under treatment has dropped from what it was in April-end.

Thackeray said he has asked officials to work in a mission mode to ramp up the production of medical oxygen, used in treating serious COVID-19 patients, ahead of the third wave of the infection hitting Maharashtra, the worst coronavirus-affected state in the country.

“We are preparing for the third wave of the virus,” Thackeray said addressing the state on social media.

The CM said the people of the state, where lockdown-like curbs are in place to stem the infection spread, should not become complacent just because there is a downward trend in coronavirus cases.

Thackeray said, “Though some districts have shown a decline in cases, we need to be ready for the third wave of COVID-19. The state task force on COVID-19 is currently engaged in guiding family doctors in district and tehsil places about treatment protocols. It will enable them to make accurate diagnosis and avoid over prescription of medicines.”