With people ignoring Covid-related SOPs during festive times, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday warned people not to ignore safety measures as it can trigger a second or third wave “like a tsunami”.
“In the past, we celebrated all our festivals with caution. Be it Ganeshotsav or Dussehra. Even while celebrating Diwali, I requested you to not burst crackers and you followed. And because of this, the war against Covid is in our control,” the CM said in a televised address to the state.
“But I am a bit angry with you all. I had already said after Diwali there will be overcrowding. I have seen many people not wearing masks. Don’t think Covid is over. Don’t be so careless. Be in western countries, Delhi or Ahmedabad. This second and third wave is strong like a tsunami. Ahmedabad has even enforced night curfews,” Thackeray said.
“Covid is not dying because of overcrowding. In fact, is going to grow. The vaccine is still not out, and we don’t know when it will come out. Even if it comes out in December, then when will it come to Maharashtra? Maharashtra has 12 crore people. And it needs to be given twice. So, we will need vaccine for 25 crore people. So please take care of yourself. It will take time,” he said.
“If we don’t have enough beds, our healthcare workers get infected, then nobody can save us. This is not the case right now, but we still must be very careful. We have still not been able to open schools. We are at a cusp. I don’t want to go to any lockdown again,” the CM said.
“Hence once again I want to tell you, do not overcrowd, wear a mask, wash hands, and keep a distance. This alone will keep us safe. I have now opened all places of worship. But please do not overcrowd these places,” he added.