Maharashtra COVID-19: Nearly 50,000 cases in 24 hours, Pune alone records 10,000 infections

On Saturday, Maharashtra recorded 49,447 fresh COVID-19 infections, the highest single-day spike in the state since the beginning of the pandemic. The state also recorded 227 deaths in a span of 24 hours. The biggest surge today was however recorded in Pune with a total of 10,000 cases, the highest count since the pandemic began.

The rise comes a day after Maharashtra Chief Minister Thackeray asserted a lockdown can not be ruled out if the situation did not improve. Mumbai too witnessed the highest spike of 9,108 infections. 8 out of 10 coronavirus hotspots in India are in Maharashtra.

"I cannot rule out imposing a lockdown if the current COVID-19 situation prevails. People have become complacent: Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray," the Chief Minister said.

"I am talking to experts on whether there is an alternative to a complete lockdown and how to break the virus chain. I agree lockdown is harmful. In a day or two, guidelines for stricter restrictions will be announced," he added.

Mumbai airport has announced a fine of Rs 1,000 on passengers found flouting the COVID-19 safety protocols.

As per the Union Health Ministry, 10 districts across India - Pune, Mumbai, Nagpur, Thane, Nashik, Bengaluru Urban, Aurangabad, Delhi, Ahmednagar and Nanded account for more than 50% of the country's total active caseload.

Earlier, in Maharashtra, authorities decided to promote the students from class 1 to class 8 to the next class without any examination in all state board schools, according to news agency ANI. The decision was taken in the wake of the recent surge in COVID-19 cases.

Maharashtra COVID-19 tally
Maharashtra has more than four lakh active cases (4,01,172), and a recovery rate of 84.49%.

A total of 37,821 patients were discharged on Saturday, taking the total recoveries to 24,95,315.

At present Mumbai has 62,187 active cases.

Five districts in Maharashtra – Mumbai (60,846), Pune (73,599), Thane (48,660), Nagpur (52,408), and Nashik (31,512) have reported the highest jump in COVID-19 cases.

The biggest surge today was recorded in Pune with a total of 10,000 cases.

Source : DNA India