Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray slams opposition parties for advising against lockdown without giving viable alternatives, urges citizens to cooperate
Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray
Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has issued a warning that he will not hesitate to impose a total lockdown if citizens do not cooperate with the government, which will issue strict guidelines in a couple of days to stop the unabated spread of COVID-19. He was addressing the state online on Friday evening. He reiterated the need to follow COVID protocols while apprising the citizens of the exponential growth rate of the past month. He said that the medical infrastructure might be adequate in the coming days, but that there wouldn’t be adequate medical and support staff to handle patients.
A visitor to a mall shows a negative antigen test before entering Star City mall in Dadar. File pic
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Thackeray came down heavily on political parties and individuals advising against a lockdown without even suggesting alternatives. “Lockdown is surely harmful to the economy. Advisors are giving advice, but not suggesting ways to tackle the spike. We’re in a complex situation wherein we have to save our economy as well as people’s lives. A political party wants that the people to be given Rs 5,000 (in case of lockdown), and an industrialist wants us to create more medical facilities. Can such advisors ensure that they give us at least 50 doctors, nurses and paramedics to look after the patients?” said the CM.
If the CM’s indications are considered, the mini lockdown-like restrictions would focus on places where crowds gather. Such places would be shut 24X7 for at least a week. Pune district would have a mini lockdown from Saturday onwards. Hotels, restaurants, malls, cinema halls/multiplexes and bus transport would be completely shut. Mumbai is likely to have Pune-like restrictions, said sources.
Lives or jobs?
“Though the government has given instructions and imposed certain restrictions, the local trains, restaurants, buses, etc. are packed. Now, tell me what to do? Should we save lives or jobs? You will certainly get jobs because that is in our hands,” said Thackeray. He said political parties have threatened to take to the streets to oppose the lockdown.
Uddhav Thackeray, chief minister
“I ask them to do it happily, but it should be done to fight the pandemic; to take care of bereaved families; to ensure tracing and testing; to serve the people. After all, I see the need to fight the virus together,” he said, requesting political opponents to not make the pandemic a political issue.
It has been a year since we started our battle with this virus.
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) April 2, 2021
Some time ago, it felt that we had managed to conquer the virus together. In January-February, it seemed that COVID was a thing of the past.
When the pandemic began last year, we had just two labs for testing. Now, we have 500.
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) April 2, 2021
In Mumbai, we conduct around 50k tests daily. The daily testing capacity in the State has been increased to 1.82 lakh.
We plan to increase this further to 2.5 lakh.
We did not have even 10,000 beds when the pandemic began.
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) April 2, 2021
Now, the number of beds has been increased to 3.75 lakh. It includes isolation, oxygen, ICU and dialysis beds. Maharashtra may be the first state to start field hospitals like the Army does.
He slammed people who don’t wear masks. “What is so brave in saying that I will not wear a mask?” he said, in an apparent snub to a leader from Mumbai, who refuses to follow basic COVID-19 protocol.
“I trust you and you trust me. You will have to decide for yourself to stop it. I request political parties to not play with lives. I will be coming out with (strict) restrictions in a couple of days after discussing with experts and others, but I also caution today that there shall be a blanket lockdown (if the situation doesn’t improve). I can’t accept the status quo,” he said.
From 300-350 daily cases in January-end the number of patients in Mumbai has increased to 8,500.
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) April 2, 2021
Then, the daily cases were around 24,000, and now it stands at about 43,000 as on 1st April. The number may cross 45,000 today.
I have already directed for infrastructure to be added wherever necessary. We can increase the beds, ventilators, oxygen supply and medicine supply. But what about doctors, nurses and medical staff?
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) April 2, 2021
Just two or three days after recovery, they have been reporting to work. They are testing people for COVID, going door-to-door. They are tired and still not taking a pause. Aren’t we going to give them some respite?
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) April 2, 2021
We have sought more vaccine doses and the Centre is giving them. Once this happens, we will be able to vaccinate 6 to 7 lakh people daily.
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) April 2, 2021
Let me reiterate, we will have to use a mask, wash hands frequently and maintain physical distance even after vaccination.
Today, I am giving an indication for a complete lockdown, but not announcing it formally. If things do not improve visibly in a couple of days and if no other solution is found, we will have to announce another lockdown like it is being done globally.
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) April 2, 2021
The Government will never fall short when it comes to health infrastructure and the well-being of its people.
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) April 2, 2021
I am sure that you will co-operate like you did last year. Let us together prepare to fight and win the battle that lies ahead.
Jai Hind, Jai Maharashtra!
Thackeray assured citizens that the government was strong enough. “But this is a two-way action. You will have to collaborate and cooperate to defeat the devil,” added the chief minister.
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