Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday hinted at the reopening of places of worship but also urged everyone to take "absolute precautions for the probable second coronavirus wave". He also urged everyone in the state to try to avoid bursting firecrackers this Diwali due to the coronavirus pandemic as pollution can worsen the situation.
"I am ready for brickbats if it ensures good health and safety of citizens. How to avoid crowds and ensure physical distancing in places of worship will be worked out and a standard operating procedure will be drafted after Diwali," CM Uddhav Thackeray said in a webcast.
"We are so involved in offering prayers and may neglect Covid-19 safety protocols. What if a coronavirus positive person infects senior citizens from our families who visit the places of worship," Uddhav Thackeray said.
Uddhav Thackeray said that wearing of masks will be mandatory in the worship places. He also said even though "the coronavirus situation has started to come under control but we must take absolute precautions for the probable seconnd wave".
"We all have celebrated our festivals with most simplicity ever since Holi and the co-operation you all have showed is just excellent. We are a bit relieved since the coronavirus situation has started to come under control but we must take absolute precautions for the probable seconnd wave of it," Uddhav Thackeray said.
CM Uddhav Thackeray said Delhi is seeing a surge in coronavirus cases, adding that pollution was the cause. He said that the Maharashtra government is not imposing a blanket ban on the sale and use of firecrackers in the Diwali season but urged everyone to avoid bursting firecrackers.
"The pollution in Delhi is at its high, which is the major reason behind respiratory diseases. Such conditions are favourable for coronavirus and probably is the same reason behind the rise in cases in Delhi. Hence, we should try to celebrate this Diwali without firecrackers. I can put a ban on it, but we should self-desciplinarily take this decision," Uddhav Thackeray said.