COVID-19: Maha minister blames overconfidence for infection

Mumbai, May 18 () Maharashtra minister and seniorNCP leader Jitendra Awhad on Monday said he contracted thenovel coronavirus infection due to "overconfidence".

Awhad, MLA from Mumbra-Kausa, had gone intoprecautionary quarantine on April 13 after some of hissecurity staff tested positive for the virus, and got himselfadmitted to a private hospital on April 19 where he wasdetected with the infection some days later.

Awhad, who said he had pre-existing ailments likehypertension and diabetes, was discharged after recovery onMay 10.

"It was due to sheer overconfidence I contracted thecoronavirus infection. The period between April 23 and 26 wasthe most crucial in my life. My family was informed that therewere little chances of my survival. I was extremely scared formy life. I spent every minute thinking of life and death," hetold a news channel.

He said he had even written a note while in ICU whichstated that all his property be given to his daughter in casesomething happened to him.

"The disease made me realise that I have been highlyreckless about my health and lifestyle. I had completelyforgotten there is life outside politics. Now, I realise mylife needs to be more disciplined," he said. NDBNM BNM