Stop unnecessary travel: Uddhav

■ Maha CM requests people not to hoard essential commodities

Following the increase in the number of coronavirus patients in Maharashtra, chief minister Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday hinted at a complete lockdown of all transport services. Addressing people via social media, Mr Thackeray urged people to avoid unnecessary travel. The chief minister also termed current initiatives against the spread of Covid-19 as ‘war against Virus.’ He also spoke to the Prime Minister, who has ensured to provide all cooperation from the Centre in this regard.

The chief minister on Thursday said, “Unnecessary travel is still happening. Crowding in local trains and buses have reduced but it has to stop completely. We don’t wish to take the drastic step of shutting down public transport. But nonessential travel must stop.” He also appealed the people to not hide their travel history. “People are cooperating with the government and if they continue

to cooperate, Maharashtra would overcome this challenge,” Mr Thackeray said.

He further requested people to not hoard essential commodities, including food grains and medicines and strictly follow the instructions given by the administration.

“We have decided to reduce the number of employees at government, private offices. Don’t venture outside when it is not needed. Follow ‘work from home’ order wherever possible,”

he said. Mr Thackeray equated medical staff treating coronavirus patients to soldiers. “Like soldiers, the official machinery is dealing with the prevailing situation with firmness and they need your support,” he said, adding that the government is prepared to tackle the crisis. There are adequate medical staff, equipment and essential commodities, he said.

Mr Thackeray also highlighted that the virus has come from other countries.

“When you arrive here and are self-quarantined, it is with trust that you are allowed to stay at home. But venturing out and spreading the virus is wrong,” he said.

The chief minister added he had spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the coronavirus situation and he had assured all cooperation to the state. “I discussed with him the steps being taken by the state and the support required from the Centre,” he said.