Follow Covid-19 protocols, SOPs or face another lockdown: Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray

Rattled by the sudden spurt of Covid-19 cases, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday asked people to take all precautions and follow protocols and SOPs else be prepared to face another lockdown.

The state government ordered a targeted contact tracing of 20 people per positive patient and wherever needed containment zones are created.

“Whether we want a lockdown or not, it is people who are going to decide...please wear masks, avoid crowding or be prepared to face lockdown,” Thackeray said after a comprehensive review of the Covid-19 situation with divisional commissioners, district collectors, municipal commissioners, city police commissioners, inspector generals of ranges and district superintendents of police.

The review comes in the wake of the sudden increase in the cases between 8-14 February in Vidarbha towns like Nagpur, Amravati, Akola, Yavatmal and Buldhana and the Chembur suburbs of Mumbai.

Meanwhile, the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has asked residents of Chembur and neighbouring areas to restrict the entry of outsiders to the building to a minimum, including milkman and maids., Besides, thermal screening at entry gates needs to be strictly followed by housing complexes.

“In case of positive cases in the society, the family needs to maintain quarantine norms for 14 days,” according to the circular, which also added that high-risk contacts must get tested immediately.

In the review meeting besides Thackeray, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Public Health and Family Welfare Minister Rajesh Tope were present.

“Those who do not follow the rules, penal action should be taken against them,” the chief minister said.

“Banquet hall owners, marriage hall owners should be punished if anybody is seen on the premises without a mask. Testing should be done in the area where patients are found. Police permissions will be required for marriage functions,” he said.

Thackeray asked authorities to cancel permits and licenses of halls and auditoriums where SOPs are not followed during marriages and other social functions.

“The marriage ceremonies that held up for the past one year have resumed with the unlocking, social gatherings and parties have also begun without any safety rules. Timings of hotels and restaurants have been extended but safety norms have been neglected,’’ he said adding local authorities should keep a vigil and take immediate action.