All public functions, including government, religious, political, and social events will be banned in Maharashtra from Monday as chief minister Uddhav Thackeray warned of a “stricter lockdown” if Covid-19 rules are flouted. Giving slogan of “wear masks, say no to lockdown”, the CM said that almost 7,000 daily cases are worrying and it would be clear in a fortnight if Maharashtra is witnessing a second wave.
“If the (Covid-19) situation deteriorates, then we have to impose lockdown. Those who want lockdown can roam around without mask while those who don’t want it must wear mask and follow all the rules,” Uddhav said.
Despite the rising cases and chief minister’s warning, people were seen flouting social distancing norms at Sitabuldi main road in Nagpur on Sunday. Mumbai police said, on the other hand, is now authorised to issue challans to violators for not wearing masks.
In his televised address, he also said that political agitations will not be allowed for the next few days as they attract crowd. “The pandemic is raising its head in the state, but whether it is another wave will be known in eight to 15 days,” he said.
“Lockdown may not be the solution to Covid-19, but it is the only option to break the cycle of the virus,” he added. The chief minister said that Covid-appropriate behaviour is a must and those violating the rules will be punished.
According to him, fask mask is the only “shield” in the war against coronavirus. “Wear mask, maintain discipline and observe social distancing to avoid a lockdown,” Thackeray said.
