As Covid-19 cases in Maharashtra continued to rise, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday directed the administration to plan strategies for a smooth implementation of a lockdown in the days to come as citizens are not adhering to the Covid-19 protocols.
At a meeting of the Covid-19 Task Force, Thackeray also directed authorities to augment the health infrastructure by enhancing the bed strength and increasing the oxygen and ventilator beds significantly.
“Plan for lockdown if there is no adherence to restrictions,” Thackeray said, pointing out that while the government is putting up a fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, several stakeholders do not seem to take the situation seriously.
“Still we come across that the 50 per cent attendance norms in private offices is not being followed, 50 people cap in marriage ceremonies are not being adhered to, there is no social distancing in shopping areas,” Thackeray said.
“We have been telling people to wear masks, ensure that you wash and sanitise hands and maintain social distancing but that is not happening…we may have to go in for another lockdown if people do not follow the new normal and Covid-appropriate behaviour,” he said.
“Make an assessment of the situation and procure foodgrains, medicines and also plan for essential services, medical services,” the Chief Minister said at the meeting in which Public Health and Family Welfare Minister Rajesh Tope, Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte were present.
The meeting follows Friday’s meeting of Thackeray with Divisional Commissioners, District Collectors, Municipal Commissioners, range Inspector Generals of Police, Police Commissioners and Superintendents of Police.
From Saturday evening, prohibitory orders from 8 pm to 7 am were imposed by the government.
All political, religious, cultural and social gatherings have been banned in the state till April 31, 2021.
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