Mumbai, Mar 24 : Maharashtra Health Minister
Rajesh Tope said on Tuesday evening that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of lock-down across the country was only an extension of the state government’s similar decision.
All essential commodities and services will continue to be available as provided under the Maharashtra government’ own lock-down order, he said.
“We must abide by the social distance directive. You can go and buy groceries, vegetables but need to maintain social distance,” he said.
Regulatory guidelines will be prepared soon for the police to monitor customers visiting vegetable vendors and grocery shops, he said.
He also urged people to organise blood donation drives.
“Coronavirus patients do not need blood but as per the World Health Organisation guidelines, we need to have at least seven days’ stock of blood,” he said.
“I am the protector of my life — this should be the motto of citizens of the state. If everyone starts taking care and abides by the government advisory, the fight against coronavirus would be easy,” said the state health minister.
