Thread by @CMOMaharashtra

CM Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray’s address to the State today;

We are meeting after almost a month and lot many things transpired during this time which we all have witnessed. While we were fighting the corona virus, we faced Cyclone Nisarg which struck Raigad severely.

However, our government ensured minimal human and animal loss. There has been financial loss, but the government is standing with all those who have suffered losses in the calamity.

On 1 July is National Doctor’s day and I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the doctors fighting the Corona Pandemic. It is also former Chief Minister of Maharashtra Vasantrao Naik ji’s Birth Anniversary and we celebrate farmers’ week in his memory.

So next week we are commemorating those who save our lives and those who feed us.

In the last 15 days we have cautiously and gradually started reopening shops and offices, we have started local services for essential staff in Mumbai and (1/2)

small shops and businesses in rural parts of the state, but the pandemic still looms over our heads. Just because we are slowly starting the economy doesn’t mean the danger is averted. I request you to please step out only if you have necessary work. (2/2)

We could not waive loans of several farmers in some areas due to the Code of Conduct, but the government will stick to its promise to waive loans of the farmers.

There are cases of people with nefarious intentions duping farmers with bogus seeds, I promise you that we will find them and punish these people who have cheated our farmers.

I also want to thank all religions for showing restrain during the lockdown as several festivals passed through this period.

Soon Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated and I have asked the Ganesh Mandals to restrict the height of the idol to four feet. This will help in maintaining social distance as larger idols need more hands to move it.

This year, the Warkaris have also shown patience by celebrating the Wari on a low key. When I go to Pandharpur as your representative, I will pray to lord Vithoba to show his power to destroy Corona and ensure a disease-free world.

Similarly, I want to thank Dahi Handi Mandals, for cancelling Dahi Handi festival on their own volition.

Earlier when I had called for blood donation people came out in droves and donated blood.

Similarly, I request those who were cured of Corona to come forward and donate their blood plasma, as it contains antibodies which can help cure those who are fighting the disease.

I also want to assure the people in my State that we are using all kinds of central government approved medication to fight the virus. The other day I heard on BBC that Dexamethasone is being used in treatment;

when I enquired with our task force I was happy to hear that it is already being used in our hospitals. Similarly, we have received approval from the central government to use Remdesivir, Favipiravir for treatment.

‘Mission Begin Again’ might result in more cases, but the number of tests have also increased. ‘Chase the Virus’ strategy that was started in Mumbai will be implemented across the State.

Several senior doctors above 55-60 age and have co-morbidities are afraid of going to hospital. The patients’ families are trusting their loved ones in your hands and I request you to return so that you can calm their worries.

There is no shortage of PPE and N95 masks. Please reach out to the government if there is any shortage in medical supplies. Maharashtra needs your experience right now.

Tests and testing centres are being increased. Rapid testing kits are being used to conduct tests.

Monsoon has started and we have already started meetings to address issues related to heavy rains and diseases.

Rainy days may result in diseases and we have to take precautions by keeping our surroundings clean and ensure that stagnant water is not colllecting anywhere.

On June 30, the ‘Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana’ scheme to give subsidised grain for those without ration cards or with saffron ration cards, is ending

In a recent VC with PM Narendra Modi ji, I have made a request for this scheme to continue for another three months.

We are focusing on re-starting education as this is more important than re-opening schools.

Even if I am not using the term lockdown, do not misunderstand and lower your guard. In fact, we need to show more stringent discipline.

Take care of senior citizens and children and leave home only if necessary. Even the youth must be careful.

Hence, we must take careful steps. We will have to use masks and wash hands or use sanitisers for a while. As this is for our individual and collective benefit.

We can not leave this war halfway in this final phase. The crisis is not over yet.

I am sure that you will continue to co-operate with the Government to ensure that the lockdown is not re-imposed.

Jai Hind, Jai Maharashtra!