<span style="color: #222222;">Maharashtra's Health Minister Rajesh Tope has urged people to strictly follow COVID protocol and avoid crowding during the upcoming Ganesh Utsav festivities.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Citing Kerala's example, which saw a spike after the Onam, Mr. Tope said huge gatherings and relaxed norms can lead to increased transmission and hence all devotees must exercise caution and discipline while celebrating the festival. The ten day Ganesh Utsav festival begins on 10th September.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Addressing a press conference, Mr. Tope said almost seventy percent of the new cases are being reported from five districts, namely Ahmednagar, Satara, Ratnagiri, Pune and Mumbai.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">He added that the government is trying its best to increase vaccination so as to abate the third wave.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The minister said the state currently has the capacity to vaccinate over 12 lakh people every day which can be increased to 15 lakh if vaccines are available.</span><br />'' <b><span style="color: #222222;"> </span></b><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Clarifying that the government is not considering to implement any fresh restrictions, Mr. Tope said all districts are being monitored and any restrictions, if required, will be announced by the Chief Minister.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">This clarification came after state Energy Minister and Nagpur's Guardian Minister Nitin Raut yesterday said that fresh restrictions will be implemented as the district is witnessing a spike in cases.</span><br />