Second Covid-19 wave is under control: Maharashtra government

Chief minister Uddhav Thackeray appealed to citizens to adopt Covid-19-appropriate behaviour to prevent a third wave, especially during the upcoming festive season

The second Covid-19 wave in Maharashtra is under control for now, claimed the state government on Wednesday, even as chief minister Uddhav Thackeray appealed to citizens to adopt Covid-19-appropriate behaviour to prevent a third wave, especially during the upcoming festive season. Thackeray cautioned that the second wave is not yet over.

Chief minister Uddhav Thackeray appealed to citizens to adopt Covid-19-appropriate behaviour to prevent a third wave, especially during the upcoming festive season. (HT)

The state on Wednesday witnessed 5,132 fresh cases and 158 deaths. In a release post the meeting of the state cabinet, the government said the average weekly positivity rate has now dropped to 2.4 %. In addition, it reported that of its 36 districts, zero patients were reported in Nandurbar district, less than 10 patients in six districts and less than 100 in eight districts. The state government also said that about 50% citizens above 45 have been given at least one dose of vaccine, while in the 18-45 age group, it is 25%. Overall, over 50 million citizens have been given one dose, while 13,307,000 were fully vaccinated, as of Wednesday.

State surveillance officer Dr Pradeep Awate said the figures indicated the declining trend. “When positivity rate dips below 5%, it indicates that the virus has been controlled,” said Dr Awate. “The authorities apart from their standard practices of testing, contact tracing and medication also took into account the local factors to combat the virus,” he added.

Thackeray, meanwhile, issued a statement, saying that he was worried about political, religious as well as social gatherings taking place in the state. “The second wave is not yet over and we have eased the lockdown, just to ensure that the economic cycle is not disrupted,” said Thackeray. “In view of the upcoming festive season, citizens should ensure that they follow all the Covid-19 rules and take all precautions to ensure that the third wave is prevented,” he added. He said not observing Covid-19 rules is harmful for both the individual as well other citizens.

Mumbai saw 285 new cases and added five deaths to its toll, reaching 15,930. The total deaths in Maharashtra since the outbreak last year has reached 135,413. The number of Covid-19 patients right from the outbreak last year has now reached 6,406,345. There were 197,697 tests done on Wednesday, while the number of recoveries clocked 8,196.

The total number of active patients in Maharashtra currently stands at 58,069, while the deaths right from the Covid-19 outbreak has now reached 135,413.

There are currently 58,069 active patients across the state, of which Pune tops with 12,904 patients, followed by Thane with 7,017 active patients and Satara with 6,852. The toll has now reached 135,413 with Pune leading with 18,779 deaths, followed by Mumbai with 15,930 and Thane with 11,213.