Maharashtra became the first state in India to cross the grim milestone of 10,000 coronavirus cases. With 583 fresh cases recorded in last 24 hours, the total number of coronavirus patients in the state climbed to 10,498, according to ministry of health and family welfare.
The first coronavirus infection in Maharashtra was detected in March. The state took 53 days to reach 10,000-mark. The total number of deaths in the state rose to 459 as 27 patients passed away in last 24 hours. The state also registered the highest number of deaths in India.
Mumbai, the financial capital of India, accounted for nearly 70% Maharashtra’s total COVID-19 count. Over 400 new cases were registered in Mumbai in last 24 hours. Mumbai, the hardest-hit city in the country, alone witnessed over 7,000 coronavirus patients and nearly 300 deaths. Pune reported 1,379 coronavirus cases and over 80 deaths.
Mumbai and Pune are likely to extend the curbs till 18 May as COVID-19 cases continue rising in the two cities, Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope told. “The main objective of implementing the lockdown was to stop the spread of COVID-19 pandemic,” Tope told.
Meanwhile, 25 fresh cases of coronavirus were reported from Dharavi on Thursday, confirmed Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The total number of COVID-19 patients in Asia’s biggest slum area rose to 369.
“The cluster containment plan is being implemented in places where large number of patients have been detected,” the Maharashtra government said. There were 733 active coronavirus containment zones in the state, according to the daily health bulletin. As many as 10,092 squads so far completed the survelliance of 42.11 lakh people in the state, it added.
According to Union health ministry, Maharashtra has one of highest number of red zones in the country at 14. All of Mumbai’s suburban areas have been classified as red zones. Red zones were the districts where sizable number of coronavirus cases were confirmed or the areas which were declared as COVID-19 hotspots.
“After May 3, the government can only lift the lockdown partially and only in the green and orange zones. For Mumbai and Pune, the lockdown must continue,” said Dr Pradeep Awate, state surveillance officer with the Maharashtra health department.
At least 1,713 were recovered from the disease in the state. Maharashtra so far conducted 1,45,798 COVID-19 tests, the official said. There were 1,68,266 people currently in home quarantine and 10,695 in institutional quarantine, the official added.
Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/mumbai-to-extend-lockdown-as-maharashtra-becomes-first-state-to-cross-10-000-coronavirus-cases-11588305388305.html
