Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has so far upheld the decision to not open religious places in the state. Over the last few months, he has faced a lot of pressure from the opposition regarding the same. However, on Saturday, November 7, 2020, CM hinted at opening religious places across Maharashtra after Diwali.
He interacted with all the Divisional Commissioners and District Collectors of the state via a video conferencing and discussed the matters, whereby stating that the government will decide on the opening of places of worship after Diwali festivities are over.
Addressing the same, he said that these temples are often visited by senior citizens and they are also prone to infection. Considering that the COVID infection is spreading, reopening temples without proper guidelines could pose danger to them and add to their worries. Hence, the state will have to take a careful decision in this regard.
Besides this, he also asked the officials to increase swab collection in urban and rural areas, and not to reduce tests across Maharashtra. Observing the increasing cases in the west, he has alerted the officials and the administration about the second wave of COVID infection and asked them to prepare the staff and arrange for the facilities.
As per reports, the vaccine is expected to arrive in the next few months, however, until then, citizens will have to follow the fundamental rule of wearing masks, washing hands, maintaining social distance at all times. Civic bodies and respective departments have been asked to take strict action against those who do not wear masks or follow the norms.
Moreover, CM said that the state was under a lockdown immediately when the COVID infection had spread, however, now that the lockdown is being lifted and activities are resuming, one has to understand that the infection could spread beyond the city, across the state. While the spread of the virus was limited initially, patients are now being found in rural areas as well. A few months back, seasonal illnesses were not found, especially in summer and rainy seasons as necessary precautions were taken. However, the weather is changing and it is getting cold now, whereby one might be affected by other illnesses except COVID. Keeping this in mind, citizens, especially ones who have heart disease, pneumonia, asthma, flu and other problems should take more care. It is important for people to understand the difference between flu and coronavirus infection.
Meanwhile, the unlock activities have led to increasing crowd across the cities, as people have stepped out of their homes for work and selective recreation. Offices have resumed and places are crowded, especially the government offices. Considering this, one needs to work towards reducing the same, and it would be necessary for the government to implement some initiatives. Officials have been asked to work on the same.
As of now, people who come in contact with bus drivers, public servants, etc, can be carriers and may spread the virus. Considering this, CM Uddhav Thackeray also instructed officials to conduct their tests regularly and immediately.
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