Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said on Sunday that the state would take a cautious stance on reopening religious sites and hinted that permission may be granted after the Diwali festivities to prevent cackling in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic. .
“We are considering reopening schools after Diwali while taking all precautionary measures. Religious sites will also be allowed to open,” Thackeray said while addressing the people of the state today.
In a webcast, Thackeray said he is being criticized for delaying the reopening of places of religious worship.
“I am ready for thieves if this ensures the good health and safety of citizens. How to avoid crowds and ensure physical distancing in places of worship will be worked out and a standard operating procedure will be drawn up after Diwali.”
“We are very involved in offering prayers and we may neglect COVID-19 safety protocols. What if a coronavirus positive person infects the elderly in our families who visit places of worship?” He said.
He also stressed the importance of wearing a mask every time you go out. “A COVID-19 patient who moves without a mask in the crowd can infect about 400 people,” Thackeray said.
He added that the use of masks will be mandatory in places of worship.
Thackeray appealed to citizens to avoid setting off firecrackers as contamination can affect COVID-19 patients.
In his speech, the CM also reported that the state government was in talks with the Center for the resumption of local Mumbai services for the general public. “The decision will be made soon,” he said.
He also said that Delhi is experiencing an increase in coronavirus cases, adding that the cause is said to be pollution. “Let’s have self-control and avoid setting off firecrackers that will lead to pollution. Let’s not waste nine months of hard work against the pandemic during four days of Diwali celebrations,” he said.
In addition, classes 9-12 of schools in Maharashtra will reopen from November 23, School Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad said on Saturday.
Gaikwad made the announcement in a video conference held by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.
Classes 9-12 should reopen after Diwali with all COVID-19 safety protocols in place, he said.
A second wave of COVID-19 pandemic was possible by looking at the situation in other parts of the world, so the administration must be cautious, the prime minister warned.
“We need to be more cautious after Diwali. Quarantine centers in schools cannot be closed. The local administration can make decisions regarding alternative locations for classrooms. Disinfection of schools, coronavirus testing for teachers and other precautions are essential “, said the CM.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra reported 3,959 new COVID-19 cases and 150 deaths on Saturday.
The statewide count of coronavirus cases has risen to 17,14,273. The state has reported 99,151 active cases and 45,115 people have died from the disease.
Of these, Mumbai reported 576 new COVID-19 cases and 23 deaths today.
“Mumbai reported 576 new COVID-19 cases, 245 recovered cases and 23 deaths today. The total of cases in Mumbai stands at 2.63,052, including 2,35,657 discharges, 16,262 active cases and 10,419 deaths,” said Municipal Corporation, Greater Mumbai.
.
