Practise restraint, next COVID wave will be Tsunami-like: Uddhav's caution

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday (November 22) urged residents of the state to wear mask, follow social distancing norms and avoid overcrowding public places, while cautioning them that any deviation from the safety instructions could trigger a ‘tsunami-like’ second or third wave of coronavirus infection.

Stressing that the state so far has been able to bring the pandemic under control, Thackeray attributed it to the restraint and discipline shown by people during the festive season.

He, however, expressed displeasure over several people not wearing masks, which is a must in the current situation when the country is expecting a second or third wave of infections.

“I am a little angry with you all. I had already said that after Diwali there will be overcrowding. I have seen many people not wearing masks. Don’t think COVID-19 is over. Don’t be careless. Be in western countries, Delhi or Ahmedabad, the second and third wave is strong like a tsunami. Ahmedabad has even enforced night curfews,” he said.

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The chief minister said people should exercise more restraint now as the COVID-19 vaccine is still not out and when out may take time to be available to a state like Maharashtra which has a population of 12 crore people.

“The vaccine is still not out, and we don’t know when it will come out. Even if it comes out in December, then when will it come to Maharashtra? Maharashtra has 12 crore people. And it needs to be given twice. So, we will need vaccine for 25 crore people. So please take care of yourself. It will take time,” Thackeray said.

“Hence once again I want to tell you, do not overcrowd, wear a mask, wash hands, and keep a distance. This alone will keep us safe. I have now opened all places of worship. But please do not overcrowd these places,” he added.

Although the chief minister said he doesn’t want to impose a lockdown again, reports say Maharashtra may be mulling a second lockdown if cases rise.

Earlier in the day Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar hinted that the government may re-impose a lockdown in the state after reviewing the situation post the festive season.

“There was a huge crowd during the Diwali period. Even at the time of Ganesha Chaturthi, we saw crowds. We are speaking to relevant departments. We’ll review the situation for the next eight to 10 days and then a further decision will be taken about the lockdown,” Pawar said.

Despite claims of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation that the situation in Mumbai is completely under control, the city has shown a steady rise in fresh cases in the past few days – from 871 new cases on November 18 to 1092 on November 21.

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Experts have attributed the rise, primarily to reverse migration which would have seen the homecoming of several migrants during the festivities.

The state has recorded more than 18 lakh cases, the highest in the country, so far and has less than 82,000 active cases.