Mumbai News Live Updates: State logs 1,134 new Covid-19 cases; health dept asks district, civic officials to increase testing – The Indian Express

The state health department on Friday asked district and civic authorities to ramp up coronavirus testing as the numbers of samples being examined had fallen while cases were rising. In a letter to collectors, municipal corporations and chief executive officers, Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Pradeep Vyas said all districts should ensure the proportion of RT-PCR tests was at least 60 per cent. In view of the rising cases, it said people should be advised to wear masks in closed public spaces like trains, buses, cinemas, auditoriums, offices, hospitals, colleges and schools.

In other news, a special POCSO court sentenced to death a 33-year-old man booked for the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in 2019. The accused committed an offence within a year of being released after completing a prison term for the sexual assault of another minor girl in 2013. Court says reformation is not possible, so no option but to give the death penalty. Special judge H C Shende said that the court is taking into consideration the previous conviction of the accused and the manner in which the offence was committed. The victim’s body was dumped in a septic tank at Vile Parle after the offence.