Gods Don’t Want Huge Celebrations: Health Minister on Festivities
With several festivals lined up in coming months, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan cautioned the nation against large gatherings and ostentatious celebrations amid the coronavirus pandemic, reported Times Now.
In his fifth episode of Sunday Samvaad, his weekly interactive session with the people, the minister said: “Extraordinary circumstances must draw extraordinary responses. No religion or God says that you have to celebrate in an ostentatious way, that you have to visit pandals and temples and mosques to pray.”
He also warned people against the possibility of increased transmission of coronavirus during winters, as virus affecting the respiratory system often spread more in cold-weather conditions.
Also Read: Govt to Utilise 40-50 Cr COVID Vaccine Doses by July: Health Min
"“These viruses are known to thrive better in the cold weather and low humidity conditions. In view of these, it would not be wrong to assume that the winter season may see increased rates of transmission of the novel coronavirus in the Indian context too.”" - Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Health Minister
Additionally, Vardhan also revealed that Maharashtra, Chandigarh and Delhi have failed to fully utilise the COVID-19 grant given in the first phase by the central government.
Maharashtra and Chandigarh fared poorest as they could not utilise even half of the total grant provided.
"“In phase-1, the Government of India released Rs 3,000 crore to all states and Union Territories (UT)s. Almost all but three state/UTs have utilised the grant given to them to battle COVID-19 pandemic.” " - Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Health Minister
"Maharashtra has utilised 42.5 percent, followed by Chandigarh with 47.8 percent and Delhi with 75.4 percent utilisation of the total funds provided," Vardhan informed.
Also Read: Lockdown Prevented Up to 29 Lakh COVID Cases: Health Min in LS
(With inputs from Times Now & IANS)
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