Don’t use ACS, avoid cooling, moisture: CM

As another precautionary measure to prevent the spread of Covid-19, Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday asked people to stop using air-conditioners. He also assured citizens that the supply of essential commodities will not be disrupted despite the 21-day national lockdown declared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday.

“Today, we have received a new advisory from the Centre not to use air-conditioners, if possible,” the chief minister said in his address to the state via Facebook. “Let fresh air come in your homes and avoid unnecessary cooling and moisture.”

In its revised guidelines, the state has directed all offices that are allowed to function to ensure social distancing by painting foot marks at a distance of three ft feet from each other near the check out counter.

The local administration has been directed to identify vacant places near hospitals to house health staff. The gathering for funerals too can’t have more than 20 people.

“Because the danger is huge especially when you cannot see your enemy (novel coronavirus) and where it is going to attack you. Thus stay at home. If you step out, the enemy can enter into your home,” Thackeray said.

Shops including ration shops (under public distribution system) dealing with food, groceries, fruits and vegetables, bakery, dairy, milk booths, milk products, eggs, meat and fish, animal fodder and their transportation including goods required for processing such as raw materials and warehousing activities have been exempted from the lockdown.

Further, the government has now decided to crack the whip on those who violate home quarantine conditions with action under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.

It means, the offenders may have to face fine up to ₹1000 or imprisonment up to six months or both. Thackeray again asked companies and employers to show humanity and pay at least minimum wages to the employees even if they are not coming for work.