Uddhav Thackeray announces that battle against COVID-19 must be intensified as economic activities resume

The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) took to Twitter to voice out that the state’s economic services have started. Uddhav Thackeray in an announcement stated that the battle against coronavirus should, therefore, be intensified to safeguard the citizens of the state.

On one hand, the State's economic cycle has restarted, but this has increased the responsibility on us. Hence, we must intensify the battle against the virus, said CM Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray in a V.C with the District Collectors. pic.twitter.com/r8PsgL0EFe

— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) May 27, 2020

The Maharashtra Chief Minister had earlier said that it was wrong to impose the lockdown suddenly and now it cannot be lifted all at once. In the midst of the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra, Thackeray also said there was a need to be extra cautious during the upcoming monsoon. In a televised message he pronounced "It was wrong to impose the lockdown suddenly. It will be equally wrong to lift it in one go. It will be a double whammy for our own people,"

On the other hand, the entertainment industry is all set to prepare an action plan on the limited resumption of film shooting and post-production activities by adhering to social distancing norms amidst the coronavirus-induced lockdown. Shooting for films and as well as other production activities remained suspended since mid-march in the wake of the pandemic.

There have been demands from the industry to save the single screen theatres, help poor music composers and waiving GST on film production. The CM, however, ruled out reopening of cinema halls or theatres anytime soon.

Thackeray in relaxing guidelines for the entertainment industry stated that it is a massive industry that comprises of various elements like actors, backstage artists, technicians and workers. Some of these people are also daily wage labourers and complete shutdown of their work can prove to be detrimental. He further added that his government would consider providing rent concessions to production houses, which have their sets erected in the Film City and supporting folk artists. However, referring to the demand of producers to allow the resumption of shootings and post-production work, the CM said the demand can be considered in "non-red" zones in the state.