Maharashtra Prime Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday praised the people of the state after the recent decline in the number of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases, saying infections have decreased due to “discipline and determination of the people “.
Thackeray, at the same time, warned that not wearing masks in public will attract fines, noting that “if a person infected with Covid-19 does not wear a mask, it can infect 400 people.”
With 3,959 new Covid-19 cases and 150 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, the total number of cases in Maharashtra stands at 1,714,273 with 99,151 active cases. The death toll in the state is 45,155 so far.
Following recent announcements by some states across the country to ban firecrackers before and during Diwali festival, Thackeray said that while no such contingency has been imposed in Maharashtra, people should not blow them up in public places and practice restraint. “We can ban firecrackers, but we can prevent them from exploding through self-discipline,” he said while speaking to reporters.
“Everything we have achieved (in controlling Covid-19) will disappear in four days due to contamination through cookies,” he added, also noting that Covid-19 cases have increased in the national capital of Delhi due to to pollution.
Thackeray also urged the people of Mumbai to remain vigilant. He stressed that the 15 days following Diwali are the most crucial in the state’s efforts against the coronavirus pandemic.
Plans and guidelines to reopen temples and places of worship will be drawn up after Diwali, Thackeray said. In his response to criticism for not reopening temples, he said the people who criticize him will not share responsibility “if something happens.”
He also added that it is his responsibility to exercise caution on the matter. “They criticize me for not leaving the house. But I am at home and I am contributing investments to get Maharashtra back on the path of progress, “he added.
Talks to resume local train services are ongoing, the prime minister said. He also acknowledged that the Minister of Railways, Piyush Goyal, has been cooperating with him on the matter.
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