Don't be complacent in COVID-19 fight: CM Thackeray to people

Even though the number of COVID 19 cases and deaths are falling and the vaccination drive is gathering momentum, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday asked the authorities and the people not to become complacent in the fight against coronavirus in view of its second wave in Britain and Brazil.

Speaking during the COVID-19 presentation in the cabinet meeting, Thackeray said the number of patients here decreased due to herd immunity. "But despite this, Europe has seen a second wave that is spreading faster," he said. He reiterated that virus still exists and the state government expects authorities and people to observe COVID 19 protocols.

State health secretary Pradeep Vyas said that on January 20, there were 1,820 deaths in Britain due to the new strain, while in Brazil there are 1,000 deaths every day. In Brazil, there are 50,000 new patients daily, he said. "In these countries, the number of positive cases had declined from June-July last year due to the herd immunity. But then the new strain, which spreads 70 per cent faster, came to light,” he said.