Maharashtra hits 2.5 million cases, govt says lockdown option is open
TNN | Mar 23, 2021, 02.56 PM IST
MUMBAI: Maharashtra’s Covid-19 caseload has breached the 2.5 million (25 lakh) mark—getting closer to the 10th highest ranking country in infections, Germany with 2.6 million—even as chief minister Uddhav Thackeray has lined up a review meeting on Tuesday to discuss the need for lockdown in some of the state’s biggest urban centres.
Public health minister Rajesh Tope said on Monday the chief minister “is worried”, and that if people continued to violate Covid-19 guidelines, government would have no choice but to impose another strict lockdown in certain cities.
“The chief minister is worried... We will take a decision tomorrow (Tuesday) on the next course of action,’’ he said, adding that the surge in Mumbai, Nagpur and Pune, in particular, was worrisome. Maharashtra’s estimated population is over 120 million.
The state’s last 2.5 lakh cases have come in barely 12 days as against the 48 days taken for the previous 2.5 lakh.
On Monday, Maharashtra and Mumbai logged a dip in daily detections due to fewer tests on Sunday (detections correspond to tests done a day prior). Maharashtra registered 20% decrease to 24,645 while Mumbai’s daily caseload fell 14% from 3,779 to 3,262.
Total caseload in Mumbai now stands at 3.65 lakh and 11,596 deaths. The state’s total fatalities are at 53,457 with the fresh addition of 58.
Tope said other states like Uttar Pradesh and Kerala were not conducting enough tests. “There are many states where elections are scheduled and are having rallies. Gujarat is hosting IPL matches and there is no social distancing being followed there,’’ he said, adding, "Maharashtra has followed all Central government protocols to the fullest."
Kalyan-Dombivli recorded 686 cases – its highest-ever single-day count so far. The tally has climbed to 71,260 and with two deaths, the toll has reached 1,228. In Thane, 590 cases and three deaths were reported on Monday, taking the tally to 63,495 and toll to 1,371. In Navi Mumbai, 404 positive cases were reported , taking total count to 60,020. One death was also reported, taking toll to 1,153.
Public health minister Rajesh Tope said on Monday the chief minister “is worried”, and that if people continued to violate Covid-19 guidelines, government would have no choice but to impose another strict lockdown in certain cities.
“The chief minister is worried... We will take a decision tomorrow (Tuesday) on the next course of action,’’ he said, adding that the surge in Mumbai, Nagpur and Pune, in particular, was worrisome. Maharashtra’s estimated population is over 120 million.
Explained: What is different about second Covid wave in India
After a brief lull, the number of daily coronavirus cases is once again rising, signalling the arrival of the second wave. The current figures are relatively low when compared to the first wave of coronavirus in September when the daily number of cases crossed the 97,000 mark. However, a look at the chart would reveal that the recent surge is more consistent and rapid.
The state’s last 2.5 lakh cases have come in barely 12 days as against the 48 days taken for the previous 2.5 lakh.
On Monday, Maharashtra and Mumbai logged a dip in daily detections due to fewer tests on Sunday (detections correspond to tests done a day prior). Maharashtra registered 20% decrease to 24,645 while Mumbai’s daily caseload fell 14% from 3,779 to 3,262.
Total caseload in Mumbai now stands at 3.65 lakh and 11,596 deaths. The state’s total fatalities are at 53,457 with the fresh addition of 58.
Tope said other states like Uttar Pradesh and Kerala were not conducting enough tests. “There are many states where elections are scheduled and are having rallies. Gujarat is hosting IPL matches and there is no social distancing being followed there,’’ he said, adding, "Maharashtra has followed all Central government protocols to the fullest."
Kalyan-Dombivli recorded 686 cases – its highest-ever single-day count so far. The tally has climbed to 71,260 and with two deaths, the toll has reached 1,228. In Thane, 590 cases and three deaths were reported on Monday, taking the tally to 63,495 and toll to 1,371. In Navi Mumbai, 404 positive cases were reported , taking total count to 60,020. One death was also reported, taking toll to 1,153.