The Health Minister also appealed to political parties not to organize meetings and events. (file)
Jalna:
Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said in Jalna on Monday that the third wave of the coronavirus pandemic has begun which will peak by the end of January.
He also said that the 14-day quarantine period has been halved to seven days.
Mr Tope’s remarks come on a day when Maharashtra reported 33,470 new COVID-19 cases and eight fatalities.
He appealed to the people to strictly follow the COVID-appropriate behaviour.
“The third wave of the pandemic has begun. It is expected to peak by the end of January,” Tope told reporters.
He expressed concern over the non-compliance of pandemic protocols by many political leaders in Maharashtra despite the rise in cases.
The Health Minister also appealed to political parties not to organize meetings and events.
Quoting an Urdu proverb, ‘Jaan hai toh jahan hai’, Mr Tope said that everyone needs to stay safe and follow the norms.
“Due to the spike in cases, it is necessary to close schools to protect children from coronavirus. People should support the restrictions announced by the government,” he said.
Mr Tope said he had spoken with Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya during a virtual meeting on Monday about the pandemic situation. He said that the use of funds under ECRP 2 (Emergency COVID Response Plan) for pandemic preparedness and prevention was discussed in this meeting.
“Repair of passive oxygen plants and expediting the administration of booster doses, immunization of 15-18 year olds were also discussed,” Mr Tope said.
He said that only four per cent of the total 17,000 oxygenated beds in Maharashtra are occupied.
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