Kumbh mela returnees may aggravate COVID-19 pandemic: Sanjay Raut
What's the story
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Tuesday expressed apprehension that the people returning from Kumbh Mela in Haridwar will turn out to be potential carriers of COVID-19 infection which will "cause havoc." Raut's comments came a day after thousands of devotees took the holy dip at various ghats of the Ganga river in Haridwar. Here's more.
Information
Thousands of people flouted COVID-19 norms at Kumbh Mela
Thousands of saffron-clad seers and ash-smeared Nagas had flouted COVID-19 norms and converged at Har Ki Pauri in the holy town in Uttarakhand for a holy dip during the second royal bath of the Kumbh Mela on Monday, he said.
Situation
'Shiv Sena puts restrictions on religious celebrations to save lives'
"It is painful for the Shiv Sena to put restrictions on our festivals and religious celebrations but the party dares to do so to save the lives of people. Our priority is to save as many lives as possible," Raut said. "I believe that people coming from the Kumbh Mela will cause further spread of COVID-19 cases, which will cause havoc," he added.
Information
State government to decide guidelines for Kumbh Mela returnees
Speaking to reporters separately earlier in the day, Mumbai guardian minister and Congress leader Aslam Shaikh had said the state government will also have to decide guidelines regarding the people returning from Kumbh Mela as COVID-19 appropriate behavior was not followed at the congregation.
Situation
Maharashtra is the worst-affected state in the country
Maharashtra is the worst-affected state in the country in terms of the number of COVID-19 cases and fatalities. As of Monday, the caseload in the state stood at 34,58,996 while the overall death toll is 58,245, as per the state health department. As the COVID-19 situation worsens in Maharashtra, the state government is expected to announce a 15-day lockdown after Thursday.
Board Exams
State board exams postponed, fresh dates to be announced soon
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad said, "We have postponed state board exams for Classes X and XII. Class XII exams will be held by the end of May, while Class X exams will be held in June. Fresh dates will be announced accordingly." Gaikwad said, "We will also write to the CBSE, ICSE, IB, and Cambridge boards requesting them to reconsider their dates."