Maharashtra govt urges people to celebrate upcoming festivals in simple manner, avoid crowding

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In the wake of record surge of 36,902 new covid-19 cases in the state, Maharashtra Government has urged people to celebrate upcoming festivals in a simple manner and avoid crowding. In a statement, the government has said, no religious or cultural programme must be organised in order to contain the spread of Covid-19 infection. It also says that adherence to COVID-19 protocols, including wearing masks, using hand sanitisers, must be ensured, adding that efforts must also be made to broadcast prayer meets online.

News agency reports that in the wake of rising cases of COVID-19 in the state, Maharashtra Government has released guidelines for various upcoming festivals including Holi and Shab-e-Barat.

In a statement, the government has said no religious or cultural programme must be organised to mark Holi or Rang Panchami. Urging citizens to offer namaz or prayers inside their homes, the government has said that masjids can arrange for people to offer prayers, only in small batches of 40-50 people and must ensure social distancing and disinfection of the place at all times.

The state government also urged the Christian community to observe Good Friday and celebrate Easter Sunday that falls next week in a simple manner. It added that a maximum of 50 persons should be allowed to attend mass at churches that can ensure social distancing, while smaller churches must allow 10 to 25 persons.

Meanwhile, The state government has decided to impose night curfew across the state from tomorrow. This was announced after a virtual review meeting which was attended by all divisional commissioners, collectors, Superintendents of Police and senior doctors of district hospitals.

A statement issued by Chief Minister’s Office has informed that the measure has been taken to avoid crowding and to ensure that people strictly follow COVID appropriate behaviour.

The Chief Minister claimed that he did not intend to impose a total lockdown but added that strict measures are necessary to ensure that the health infrastructure does not crumble under the load of rising COVID cases.

Chief Minister instructed district authorities to ensure that malls, bars, hotels, theatres are following protocol and allowing just 50 percent of the capacity and maintaining social distancing. AIR correspondent reports that
amid rising cases of COVID-19 in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has instructed district authorities to impose night curfew across the state from tomorrow night.

The Chief Minister stated that he did not intend to impose a total lockdown but added that strict measures are necessary to ensure that the health infrastructure does not crumble under the load of rising Covid-19 cases. Stating that 52 lakh people have been vaccinated in the state so far, Chief Minister said rapid vaccination is the need of the hour.

According to the state’s public health department, 17,019 patients were discharged post-recovery in the state yesterday while 112 others succumbed to the infection.

Mumbai recorded 5,513 new cases, taking the total caseload to 3,85,628. Pune city reported 1686 new cases, area under Pune Municipal Corporation reported 3679 new cases while Pimpri Chinchwad reported 1782 cases. While 3055 new cases were reported from Nagpur Municipal Corporation, Aurangabad recorded 1563 cases. Cases in Nashik too increased by 2080 while Thane Municipal Corporation reported 1020 new cases.