On Tuesday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray began his address on social media by announcing setting up of a task force to take measures to contain the aggressively growing number of COVID-19 cases in the state (2,340 as on April 13).
Headed by paediatrician and formerly the dean and director of Mumbai's KEM Hospital Dr Sanjay Oak, members of the task force include, Dr. Zahir Udwadia (P.D. Hinduja Hospital), Dr. Santoshi Nagvekar (Lilavati Hospital), Dr. Kedar Toraskar (Wockhardt Hospital), Dr. Rahul Pandit (Fortis Hospital), Dr Nitin Karnik (Lokmanya Tilak Hospital), Dr Zaheer Virani (Prince Aly Khan Hospital), Dr Om Srivastav (Kasturba, Jaslok), and Dr Praveen Bangar (KEM Hospital).
"Yesterday, we had the first session and decided to divide the hospitals in the entire city into COVID and Non-COVID hospitals so that patients who are not coronavirus positive also find a facility for themselves. We also made sure dialysis patients are not stranded, and for that too, we are taking measures," the chief minister said.
Speaking about the impending economic situation which the country would face once the pandemic is over, he said the state government has divided experts into two groups. The first group, headed by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, will look into gradual opening up of the industries, and the other, under experts such as Dr Raghnuath Mashelkar, Vikay Kelkar, Deepak Parekh and Ajit Ranade, will take measures to ensure that the impact of the pandemic on the economy is less than estimated. They are also making reports on other aspects, he added.
The chief minister said the state will make sure that its farmers never have to face the brunt of the lockdown. "Now that the harvesting season is coming up, all district officials have been informed that farmers cannot be stopped and everything related to agriculture has to continue. All essential services will continue as it is. After April 20, we will take a decision as to what to do next. But until then do not worry and do not be frightened," he said.
Noting that nearly 10 districts in the state haven't been affected by COVID-19, the chief minister urged people to make sure the districts stay safe. The virus will be eliminated in other districts soon, he added. "Mumbai's Gateway of India has the reputation of being a host to outsiders and so is Pune. We are taking stricter measures by increasing screenings, sealing off containment zones and quarantining and isolating appropriately, making sure that the transmission gets stopped."
Talking about the new initiatives taken by his government, the CM said his team is requesting for the Union government's nod for plasma treatment and BCG vaccine. "I have full surety that Maharashtra will show the light not just to the country, but also to the world. After this permission is given, we will be successful."
The CM mentioned that the state increased its production of PPE and ventilators with help from self-help groups and volunteers.
"This is not the time for politics. This is the time for taking action," the CM said.
Speaking about the approaching monsoon, he said he has given clear instructions for ensuring that the adivasis in areas such as Vada, Jawhar, Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, are provided enough supplies that last them through the monsoon.
The CM mentioned that almost 21,000 people had applied for jobs in medical services in different capacities to fill in the shortages felt at the moment in the fight against the novel coronavirus. "Now we are segregating them as per work and areas they hail from."
Distribution of grains is reaching the families it is intended for and 80,000 migrants have been provided food so far by the state, he informed. He further added that the migrants are yearning to go back home and are frustrated with the lockdown. "Why do you want to go? Why are you afraid? We are not happy to lock you down. We will take care of you. You are Indians, and this is the time to fight together. Please don't put politics in this. These are vulnerable people. Else we will take very strict action," he said.
All parties, he said are together in the fight against COVID-19. "I spoke to PM Modi, Amit Shah, Sharad Pawar, Sonia Gandhi, everyone is together. I have also spoke to mullah maulvis too. Don't be victim of misunderstanding. The virus affects all irrespective of caste, race, religion, and place. We have to be together to break the virus."