With rising Covid-19 cases, Thackeray warns of another lockdown

Mumbai, Feb 16 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday gave a clear warning that unless people strictly to Covid-19 protocols, they should be prepared for another bout of lockdown in view of the increasing cases in the state.
For starters, he has ordered all authorities concerned to ban public processions, rallies, meetings and gatherings to avoid overcrowding, besides mandatory wearing of face masks in public.
Thackeray also announced that the ‘Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Aarogya Yojana’ (MJPJAY) scheme is being extended for another two months in the state to treat Covid-19 patients at state expense.
The CM’s stringent directives came in a high-level review meeting of the Covid-19 status in the state in which Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Health Minister Rajesh Tope, Chief Secretary Sanjay Kumar, all Divisional Commissioners, Collectors, police and health officers, and members of Covid-19 Task Force and others took part.
Expressing serious concern at the renewed spread of Covid-19, the CM asked the administration strictly enforce all the SOPs for coronavirus control with penal measures against those violating the norms.
“Avoid overcrowding. Use face-masks, follow all protocols while in public events, gatherings, weddings, etc…. It is upto you. Otherwise, be prepared for another lockdown,” Thackeray said without mincing words.