Nagpur district adds 3,370 new coronavirus cases, highest since the start of the pandemic

Cases in Nagpur have been increasing since mid-February leading to the imposition of a week-long complete lockdown in the district which started from Monday, to curb the spread of the infection.

Maharashtra’s Nagpur district on Wednesday added 3,370 fresh cases of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) and 16 related fatalities, 1,216 recoveries which took the caseload to 1,78,756, news agency ANI said quoting a district official. More than 4,500 people have succumbed to the disease while recoveries have climbed to 1,53,133. Wednesday’s case count in Nagpur has been the highest since the start of the pandemic last year. The new cases are also 783 (23.23 per cent more) more than that of Tuesday’s- when 2,587 people tested positive for the infection- which was the highest single-day spike earlier. This is also the fifth time the district’s daily breached the 2,000-mark

Police personnel check vehicles at CA Road during a week-long lockdown declared after a surge in Covid-19 cases, in Nagpur, on March 15. (HT Photo)

Cases in Nagpur have been increasing since mid-February leading to the imposition of a week-long complete lockdown in the district which started from Monday, to curb the spread of the infection. An order issued by the district administration stated that shops selling essential items such as fruits, vegetables along with milk booths are allowed to be open during the week. All private offices have been closed while the government ones are functioning at a capacity of 25 per cent. Hospitals are operating and residents are allowed to take vaccines against the disease.

As the lockdown started on Monday, some residents were seen venturing outdoors for several reasons and in a few cases were also seen arguing with police personnel, according to a report by Hindustan Times on March 15. Speaking to HT, Nagpur police commissioner Amitesh Kumar said all Covid-related curbs would be implemented in an effective manner adding those found violating them will not be spared. Nearly 3,000 police personnel have been deployed in the district to ensure that lockdown restrictions are adhered to.

Maharashtra on Wednesday reported 23,179 fresh Covid-19 disease cases-- the highest single-day spike since mid-September last year, and 84 more deaths taking the caseload and death toll to 23,70,507 and 53,080, respectively. Nearly 21.7 lakh of the state’s residents have recovered so far while active cases are over 1,38,000-- with the Union health ministry pointing out that 60 per cent of all active cases are coming from the state.