Keypoints:
- To prevent another lockdown in the state, Tope asked people to adhere to the strict COVID norms.
- Amid the rising number of positive cases, many schools and colleges have shut down again.
- It seems that the state is heading towards another round of severe restrictions with stringent curbs slapped in Nagpur, Pune, Nashik, Amravati, Akola, Yavatmal, Aurangabad, Satara.
On Monday, Maharashtra Public Health Minister Rajesh Tope said that another lockdown in Maharashtra will be dangerous and unaffordable. He urged the public to adhere and follow strict COVID norms to prevent another lockdown in the state.
In a written letter in Marathi, the Minister asked people to adhere to covid appropriate behaviour so that another lockdown can be prevented.
“Our state is known for its understanding, sensitive and cooperative people. We have seen how people have cooperated with patience during the lockdown. However, another lockdown will be unaffordable. Avoiding a lockdown is now in your hands. Therefore, it is my appeal to strictly follow masking, sanitisation and safe physical distancing to avoid lockdown,” said Tope in the letter.
— Rajesh Tope (@rajeshtope11) February 22, 2021
While Tope is being treated for being COVID positive, he tweeted on Thursday night saying that, “I have tested positive for Covid-19. Though I am doing fine, I’ll follow the advice of the doctors. With all your blessings, I will defeat Covid-19 and be at your services soon. Those who have come in contact with me in the past few days must take all the precautions and get tested if they develop any symptoms.”
On Thursday evening, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray also urged people to follow Covid norms to prevent another lockdown imposition in the state. If needed, strict restrictions will be imposed in the state, said the minister.“The lacklustre approach by people has cost us dear. Nobody likes a lockdown but we will have to follow some restrictions,” Thackeray said during his virtual address. He also urged the citizens to be more responsible and said that, ‘I am responsible drive’ should be implemented in the state for self-discipline.
On Sunday, Maharashtra reported 6,971 new coronavirus cases taking the total tally of the state over 2.1 million.
