Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on March 13 ordered hotels and restaurants in the state to ensure strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols in their premises and not force the State to enforce drastic measures like lockdown.
Speaking at a virtual meeting attended by representatives of hotel and restaurant associations, shopping centre groups, the CM said a “lackadaisical” attitude towards outbreak norms had crept in lately.
“Do not force us to impose a strict lockdown. Consider this as the last warning. Follow all the rules. Everyone has to realise there is a difference between self-discipline and restrictions,” Mr. Thackeray said.
The CM pointed out that crowds had increased in most places since activities resumed in a phased manner from October, and safety rules were not being followed and this had resulted in a steep surge in cases.
“Last week, a Central team visited Mumbai and one of the members told me no one was wearing masks or following social distancing at a hotel they visited. Initially, hotels, restaurants were adhering strictly to COVID-19 norms, but now everyone has become lackadaisical,” he said.
He said his government was not in favor of a lockdown to tackle the latest surge and asked people to cooperate to avoid having to take such a drastic decision.