Amid the reports of new COVID-19 variant XE being detected in the state, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday, April 7, chaired a review meeting of divisional commissioners and district collectors to take stock of the pandemic situation.
After the meeting, while talking to media, CM said that though the state government has removed the compulsion of wearing masks, people must put them on for their own safety and consider it their responsibility as new variants are coming up. “Although there is no obligation to wear masks, our responsibility remains,” he added.
Also Read: COVID-19: Rajesh Tope Clarifies On First XE Variant Case In Mumbai
Moreover, Thackeray also directed the district administrations to create awareness among people that they are not liberated and should wear masks for their own safety.
Besides, in the aftermath of the Central Health Ministry refuting that the sample of a woman being tested positive for the XE variant of COVID-19, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Thursday, April 7, sent the sample to the Union-operated National Institute of Biomedical Genomics for reconfirmation in West Bengal, stated reports.
Read More: COVID-19: BMC Sends Sample To Union Govt Lab For Reconfirmation Of XE Variant
Earlier, Mumbai Suburban Guardian Minister Aaditya Thacekray also ensured that the women has fully recovered. "We are constantly working to ensure that we are all safe. I urge people to not panic," he tweeted.
Moreover, a member of the Maharashtra COVID task force, Dr Shashank Joshi observed that there was no need to panic while urging all to adhere to appropriate behaviour to avoid the spread of coronavirus.
On Thursday, April 7, the state reported 128 fresh infections, taking the count to 7,874,818. It also recorded six deaths, pushing the toll to 1,47,806. Whereas, Mumbai reported 51 fresh cases, which saw a slight from the past few weeks of recording less than 20.
Also Read: Good News! Mumbai Finally Reaches 100% Vaccination Mark For Adults