Here's what Rajesh Tope said about reopening of temples in Maharashtra amid COVID-19

Religious places in the Maharashtra have been closed due to the rising cases of coronavirus. The state government has not yet given permission for the reopening of religious places and temples. There has been demand from all levels that all religious places and temples in the state should be started as soon as possible. But people are emotional about religious places. Therefore, people might not follow rules of physical distancing in temples, said Health Minister Rajesh Tope.

When asked about reopening of temples and religious places, Rajesh Tope said that to reopen religious places, gyms, flight services it is important to follow social distancing rules. But when it comes to religious places & temples people are emotional. 

If social distancing and other rules are strictly followed then no one will oppose the reopening of the temples and religious places. But God is everywhere. So it doesn't matter if it takes a little more time, Rajesh Tope said.

Earlier the Bombay High Court on Friday had refused to pass any interim order directing that temples in Maharashtra be opened for public.The bench said that the current situation was "not at all conducive" to reopening of places of worship.