Highlights | Maharashtra records 47,827 new Covid-19 cases, 202 fatalities

Maharashtra on Friday recorded 47.827 cases of Covid-19, pushing the state-wide tally to 2,904,076. 202 deaths were also recorded in the last 24 hours, the death toll now stands at 55,379.

I am not announcing the lockdown but warning about it. If there is no alternative found to the lockdown in next two days we will have to take decision," CM Uddhav Thackeray said, adding restrictions will be imposed on festivals this year too.

One of districts are facing shortage of oxygen beds, ventilators. "If the current growth in Covid cases continues, hospital beds will be full, there could also be shortage of oxygen," says CM Uddhav Thackeray.

We have been stuck in catch 22 situation. Lockdown leads to the economic crisis. There is need to take to streets to help health care workers and patients and not to oppose lockdown. Stricter curbs will be imposed from tomorrow or day after, the chief minister of Maharashtra said. "I will discuss with experts from various fields in next two days to find out alternative to lockdown."

Maharashtra tops the chart of vaccination with more than 65 lakh people inoculated so far. All the parties in the state should positively respond to my request when it comes to lockdown.

The chief minister informed that the number of beds has been increased to 3.75 lakh beds from a 8,000-10,000 during pre Covid times. In January end Mumbai was reporting 350 patients a day which has now gone up to 8,500 a day today. Next could be shortage of healthcare infrastructure in next 15-20 days, Thackeray added, questioning the availability of doctors and health care workers.

There is still possibility of a complete lockdown to tackle outbreak of Covid-19 epidemic, said the chief minister during the address. "We lowered the guards of late, crowding was witnessed at wedding ceremonies and public places," he added.

Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray addressing the citizens of the state said, today we have increased the tests capacity to 182,000 a day with the help of 500 labs and the capacity will be raised to 250,000 in next few days.

8 cases of N440K Covid-19 strain found in the state, till now. Yesterday, the State reported 4,617 new cases, the highest till now. Around 3000 ICU and oxygen beds available at private and govt hospitals. We want to maintain target of vaccinating over 2 lakh people daily, said Chhattisgarh health minister reported ANI.

Tamil Nadu reports 3,290 new Covid-19 cases, 1,715 recoveries and 12 deaths in the last 24 hours.

Karnataka reports 4991 new Covid-19 cases, 1631 discharges, and 6 deaths today.

Chandigarh reports 287 new Covid-19 cases taking the total number of cases to 27,543.

Kerala reports 2506 new Covid-19 cases today. The number of active cases at 26,407; so far 10,98,526 patients have recovered.

Nagpur district reported 4108 new Covid-19 cases, 3214 recoveries and 60 Death, in the last 24 hours, as per Civil Surgeon, Nagpur, reported ANI.

Andhra Pradesh reports 1288 new Covid-19 cases, 610 recoveries and 5 deaths, in the past 24 hours.

In the last few days, Covid-19 cases in Delhi have been rising. 3,583 new cases have been reported in Delhi in the last 24 hours. This rise in cases now is the fourth wave. We are taking all possible measures, there is no need to worry, said Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

TV actor Rupali Ganguly, known for featuring in shows such as "Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai", "Sanjivani" and "Bigg Boss", on Friday said she has tested positive for Covid-19 and is under quarantine, reported PTI.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday expressed concern over the increasing number of coronavirus cases in the state, saying most of the people infected in the second wave of the spread of the disease are being found asymptomatic, reported PTI.

Police here have registered an offence against two unidentified persons for allegedly spreading confusion over the Covid-19 vaccination drive on a social networking platform, an official said on Friday, reported PTI.

Scientists have predicted using a mathematical model that the ongoing second-wave of Covid-19 pandemic across the country could peak by mid-April, following which the infections may see a steep decline by the end of May, reports PTI.

Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray to address people of the state today at 8:30 pm: Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar

A 12-hour night curfew from 6pm to 6am in Pune from tomorrow, 3rd April. Situation will be reviewed on next Friday. Bars, hotels, restaurants to remain closed for 7 days, only home delivery will be allowed: Pune divisional commissioner