Kumbh returnees will distribute 'Corona ka Prasad', says Mumbai Mayor

File Pic

Amid a sharp rise in the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Maharashtra, Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar said a complete lockdown should be imposed in the city.

Stating that those returning from the Kumbh will distribute 'Corona ka prasad' wherever they go, she expressed the need for quarantining them to curb the spread of infections.

Speaking to ANI here today, Pednekar said, "The Chief Minister should call a meeting, discuss and impose a lockdown. I think a complete lockdown should be imposed looking at the current COVID-19 situation."

Responding to a question on Kumbh Mela returnees, Pednekar said, "The way cases increased due to a Muslim congregation in Delhi, similarily, those who are returning fom Kumbh will distribute corona just like prasad in various states and it will affect every state. The Prime Minister has rightly tweeted to stop Kumbh but now if it is stopped we still cannot escape from the disease unless these returnees quarantine themselves in their respective states at their own cost. In Mumbai also, we are thinking of putting them under quarantine on their return."

"When last time COVID cases peaked in September, we had opened jumbo centres, readied hospitals and isolation centres to manage all kinds of patients including the asymptomatic ones. But the moment the number of cases started coming down people became careless, but that does not mean that the government was lethargic. Again and again the Chief Minister kept on saying that corona is not yet over, only the cases have reduced. Don't gather crowds in marriages, parties, clubs, pubs but people did not pay any heed to those warnings. The result is today in front of all of us," she further said.

The Mumbai Mayor stated that 95 per cent Mumbaikars adhere to COVID-19 norms, but it is the remaining five per cent that is creating problems for others.

"95 per cent of Mumbaikars are adhering to COVID-19 restrictions. The remaining five per cent of people who are not following restrictions are causing problems to others," she said.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever