Maharashtra: Officials told to monitor COVID-19-appropriate behavior amid curbs
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday asked officials to closely monitor COVID-19-appropriate behavior among shop owners who have been allowed to operate during the new restrictions, as well as customers, and penalize the violators. In a virtual meeting with all the officials, Thackeray stressed on effective implementation of the new measures which came into force at 8 pm on April 14.
Shops will be shut down if crowding happens
He said officials should ensure that vegetable vendors and grocery shop owners, who have been allowed to operate during the "lockdown-like" restrictions, scrupulously follow COVID-19-related norms like social distancing and use of face masks to avoid the infection spread. "If crowding happens, the officials can shut down the shops," the chief minister said.
Officials directed to keep an eye on marriage ceremonies
Thackeray asked them to keep an eye on marriage ceremonies so that they do not become super-spreading events. The state has noticed that marriage ceremonies were one of the reasons behind COVID-19 spread. "The district administration and police should ensure that mistakes committed in the past are not repeated," the chief minister said. Under the new curbs, only 25 people can attend a marriage.
Sensible approach toward the use of Remdesivir needed: Task Force
Meanwhile, the state's COVID-19 task force members stressed avoiding indiscriminate use of Remdesivir medicine which is causing its shortage. There should be a sensible approach toward the use of Remdesivir, a key COVID-19 drug, and medical oxygen, they told the meeting. All essential services, including medical stores, hospitals, supply of medicines, among others will remain operational, according to a government notification.
Roadside eateries can operate, only takeaway available
Barbershops, salons, spas, schools, colleges, coaching classes, beaches, clubs, swimming pools, gyms, drama theaters, and cinema halls will remain shut during the next 15 days, according to the notification. Though roadside eateries are allowed to operate during the period, buyers cannot consume food on the street and only takeaway will be available, it said.
Thousands of migrant workers reached railway station to leave Mumbai
The fear of a 2020-like situation prompted thousands of people, most of them migrant workers, to arrive at the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus in Mumbai on Wednesday, with the hope of boarding long-distance trains. Seeing the sheer number of people, the Central Railways urged everyone not to panic and avoid over-crowding.
