In a recently held meeting with members from several sectors, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said that the government has requested corporate companies to shut down and offer work from home. Members of the corporate companies who attended the meeting ensured that the firms have approved the same to all the employees thereby ensuring 100 per cent care. Some companies have also agreed to virtual meetings and offering digital infrastructure if needed.
He also mentioned that if any broadcaster, print, radio or digital medium wants to educate and create awareness regarding coronavirus through their platforms, they can reach out to the government for IEC information and content. The team will support them to spread the right information.
Government officials have also reached out to firms and hospitals to offer masks, sanitizers, and necessary requirements to keep the situation under control. Hospitals and medical associations have informed that they will help arrange more isolated wards for treatment and screening, across the city. Moreover, CSR initiatives are being taken to ensure safety in the current situation.
Sarthak Ranade, MD, Johnson and Johnson, who attended the meeting, said, "Firstly, I applaud the Maharashtra Government for the initiatives taken so far. The meeting was fruitful and minister Rajesh Tope has informed the media about the same. Further, the discussion was focused on decongesting Mumbai thereby avoiding contact. As a company, we will offer 100% work from home applicable until March 31, 2020, and we urge other companies to do the same."
The minister also mentioned that a list of vital medicines will be available soon for reference, and some pharma companies have been asked to issue the same, free of cost, along with government support.
Ministry also requested to consider options to support citizens with daily wages in the unauthorised sectors. Information and awareness will also be spread across smaller towns and villages. Doctors have been consulted to offer their thoughts and support, which they have agreed.
Addressing the important issue of managing local trains in Mumbai, he said that the guidelines for railways should be issued and a decision regarding the same will be submitted at the cabinet meeting today, in the presence of CM Uddhav Thackeray. However, he said that the officials are encouraging social distancing, thereby requesting the commuters to avoid crowing in the trains and stations.
Passengers to India and others who are kept in quarantine for 14 days are being given the best facility possible which includes food, resting conditions, necessary entertainment and recreational amenities. They have also been given the option to stay at hotels and in private if they wish to, and they are free to do so at selected hotels, where they will have to bear certain costs.
Addressing the issue regarding the recent death, an official from Kasturba Hospital said that the patient came from Dubai on March 5, 2020, and had no symptoms for 2 days. On March 7, 2020, he was treated for respiratory problems in ICU at a private hospital and after 5 days, the doctors decided to shift him to Kasturba, where he was offered treatment, where he responded initially, but the oxygen saturation was not optimal. He passed away on Tuesday at 7:00 am, however, the cause of death is uncertain.
Rajesh Tope added that a total of 39 cases have been reported positive in Maharashtra, out of which one patient has died. However, doctors have not yet confirmed if the cause of death was Coronavirus.
He further concluded by stating that the meeting was successful and informative. The attendees shared their information and thoughts which were beneficial to improve the situation. Essential data and opinions were heard to consider shut down in the cities across the state. He also said that more such meeting will be conducted in the future to ensure the situation is improved with the support.
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