On the eve of Maharashtra Day, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday addressed the state and listed all the steps the government is taking in order to contain the second wave along with preparations for the third wave.
Thackeray’s address comes as the state has decided to extend lockdown-like restrictions till May 15.
Stating that the Bombay HC had asked the state government if a strict lockdown was needed, Thackery said, “I will ask you, but I don’t think that situation will arise. Cases have now plateaued, but we are not over the phase. If we had not put these restrictions, there would have been 9-10 lakh active cases. The cases have now plateaued.”
“It is easy to impose a lockdown, but not follow it. I am also ready to take suggestions.”
Thackeray also assured that the state government has not fallen short of doing anything whether it is increasing facilities, getting oxygen, and Remdesivir shots.
Thackeray also said that the first dose of the COVID vaccine will be given to the 18 to 44 age group people. “As we get vaccines, we are starting…18 years means youth and youth means excitement. Tomorrow, the first does will be given, not the last. And we have done all the preparations.”
“Across the world, a new wave is coming after another, and the waves depend upon what steps we take. There is no guarantee that the third wave won’t come. We have to prepare for the third wave. We had expected the second wave, but not at the scale we are witnessing. The economy should not stop. I have spoken to businessmen, workers union on the steps we shall take if the third wave comes, and we are preparing at every level.”
Surjitt Sahani
