Maharashtra Health Minister Warns Of A Possibility Of COVID-19 Third Wave During Festivals

Mumbai: Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Thursday (August 26) warned about the possibility of a COVID-19 third wave that could strike the state in coming festival months and informed that the state has issued a circular to collectors and local authorities saying the vaccination of teaching and non-teaching staff must be completed till September 5. Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Mr Tope said, “We have issued a circular to collectors and local authorities that till 5th September the vaccination for teaching and non-teaching staff must be completed, if needed organise a vaccination drive too. There is the possibility of a third wave of incoming festivals months so we are also discussing avoiding local bodies’ elections and we are on alert mode on this too.”

Also Read: Celebrate Festivals With Caution, Second Covid Wave Not Yet Over: Centre

He said that owing to the upcoming festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, Dussehra, and Diwali, a surge in infection could be seen. Mr Tope further said that the state has recruited 1,200 doctors and by September end, it will recruit 7,000 more health staff.

We are recruiting 1,200 doctors. By September end, we will recruit 7,000 more health staff. We are increasing the production of oxygen and the number of hospital beds. We’ve purchased 1,000 new ambulances.

“We have approved an increment of Rs 1500 in the salary of ASHA workers. This will benefit 71,000 ASHA workers. Approx Rs 275 cr will be included in the budget for the same,” he added.

India’s COVID-19 tally saw a major upward trend on Thursday with Kerala making the single-largest addition, followed by Maharashtra. The unrelenting surges have the administration deeply worried even as the pandemic situation seemed to have improved considerably in most other states and Union territories. Of the nationwide total of 46,164 new infections, Kerala’s contribution was 31,445 and Maharashtra’s 5,031. This corresponded to 3,33,725 active cases in India, 1,70,292 in Kerala and 50,183 in Maharashtra.

Also Read: People Have To Come Forward To Prevent Further Spread Of COVID, Says Haryana Health Minister

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