Pune: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray in his address to the state on Sunday hinted at lockdown 2.0, saying the possible second wave of COVID-19 maybe like a ‘Tsunami’.
The state government has urged people not to throw precaution to the winds but remain alert and follow all protocols strictly. Addressing the state on Sunday, CM reiterated that there are three possible preventive measures: wearing a face mask, physical distancing, cleanliness and avoiding overcrowding in public places.
He also warned, "We don't have the vaccine yet. So we have to stick to the preventive measures till then. Don't be under any false impression that because everything is being opened up, the COVID-19 has been conquered. We don't want another lockdown. I don't want to end five years with the lockdown. Though all festivals were celebrated with restraint, the danger has not yet diminished.”
With Maharashtra reporting a surge in cases of novel COVID-19, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also informed that the decision of Lockdown 2.0 will be made in coming days.
"During Diwali, there were huge crowds. Even at the time of Ganesh Festival, we witnessed crowds. We are discussing with the relevant departments. We will monitor the situation for the next eight to ten days and then a decision about the lockdown will be taken," said Deputy CM.
He also added, "Now there are predictions that second wave of COVID-19 may have its impact. Government has made a lot of rules to start schools, which includes different ways on how they should be sanitised.”
The state government has allowed reopening of schools for classes 9 to 12 on Monday depending on the COVID-19 situation in local areas.
