Religious events cancelled in Maharashtra, CM Uddhav Thackeray says 'health a priority'

With worries of a third wave occurring during the country's impending festival season, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray stated Monday that residents' health was a priority, and festivities could be held later as well. The number of instances reported by the state has also increased. On Monday, the Chief Minister and many other top cabinet ministers attended a disaster management meeting.

In a statement, he stated that residents might enjoy holidays later and urged them to prioritise the lives and health of citizens. He also warned that the situation could spiral out of control due to the increase in everyday instances. Thackeray has ordered the cancellation of all social, religious, and political events and meetings, citing experts' concerns that crowding might increase the number of COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra.

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The CM stated that if everyone followed COVID-19 standards like wearing masks, separating themselves, and avoiding meetings, there would be no need for further restrictions to be enforced.  He stated that one must be prepared for the third wave since the entire country suffered due to a lack of oxygen supply during the second wave. Thackeray noted that the forthcoming holiday season would be critical and challenging. He believes it is on to political parties to keep things under control. 

According to official statistics, Mumbai reported more than 400 new COVID-19 cases per day for the previous few days. On Sunday, Maharashtra recorded 4,057 coronavirus cases, bringing the state's infection total to 64,86,174, while 67 people died, bringing the total to 1,37,774, according to the health department.

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• Maharashtra
• Uddhav Thackeray
• COVID
• Coronavirus