Countdown to lockdown
BEHAVE, IF YOU DON'T WANT ONE; WILL KNOW IN A ‘ FORTNIGHT IF THERE S A SECOND WAVE LAUNCHES MI JABABDAR CAMPAIGN• ANNOUNCES BAN ON SOCIAL, ‘ ’ POLITICAL AND RELIGIOUS EVENTS FROM MONDAY
Taking errant citizens to task for rampant violations of Covid-19 norms, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday sternly warned of a fresh lockdown if people failed to wear masks, use sanitisers and maintain social distancing. Terming the situation ‘serious’, he said, "Now, my question to you is: Should we impose a lockdown? I will seek this answer from you in the coming eight days. Those who do not want a lockdown will observe protocols like using masks, washing hands and keeping physical distance."
In a web address, Thackeray said, "People who want a lockdown again will flout these rules. Let us see who wants a lockdown, and who doesn’t. I am very clear about this. Wear a mask - prevent a lockdown. Observe discipline - prevent a lockdown." His admonition came hours after a week-long lockdown was announced in Amravati while stringent restrictions have been imposed in Akola, Yavatmal, Buldana, Washim, Pune and Nashik.
He announced the ‘Mi Jababdar’ (I am responsible) campaign. "Here, everyone will take upon themselves the responsibility to mask up in public, sanitise and maintain physical distance," he said. "The ‘My Family, My Responsibility’ campaign was launched when you were at home, but it will be difficult to do so now and will strain the system,’’ he added.
Further, the CM announced that from Monday onwards, all political, social and religious events would be banned for a few days.
He led a scathing attack against the Centre over the distribution of Covid-19 vaccines. He referred to the Centre as 'uparwala' (almighty) saying, "When will the common man get the coronavirus vaccine? Balasaheb used to say 'uparwale ki marzi’ [it is up to the almighty]." He said it is up to the Centre, which is deciding how many vaccines must be given to the states. "The state government is carrying out the vaccination drive and so far, about 9 lakh Covid warriors and frontline workers have been vaccinated. There are no deadly side effects that came to the fore. I urge the remaining Covid warriors and frontline workers to come forward and get vaccinated,’’ he exhorted. "In another two months, a couple of companies will give us more vaccines. Their production and trials are underway. Soon, we will get more vaccine stocks, af ter which we will open up vaccination for citizens,’’ he said.