BJP MLA tests positive for Covid-19, spike in KDMC, Thane cases

KALYAN: Kalyan-Dombivli and Thane registered the highest number of Covid cases in 24 hours on Thursday. A Bhiwandi BJP MLA who had distributed food and vehicles for migrant labourers tested positive too.
Kalyan-Dombivli had 326 new cases and six deaths, taking the tally to 4,515 and toll to 91, while Thane had 264 new cases, taking the tally to 7,091, and 12 deaths, taking the toll to 245.
In Thane, most new patients came from Majiwada-Manpada (46), while the count continued to rise in Naupada-Kopri (42). Civic officials said the number may have risen due to easing of lockdown but they were confident of keeping it in check soon.
Officials said 40,145 samples were sent for analysis, while 39,931 reports were received till Wednesday evening. "The recovery rate of patients here is 53%, with 3,606 people recovering and being discharged till Wednesday. As many as 103 patients were discharged on Thursday," officials said.
In Kalyan-Dombivli, 371 patients were discharged, taking the total to 20,59, while 2,365 are being treated.
Meanwhile, KDMC decided to buy 10,000 antigen test kits for high-risk contacts. Health department officials said they can show Covid-19 results in 30 minutes. ICMR has recommended rapid antigen tests in containment zones and at hospitals.
The MLA had on Wednesday got admitted to a private hospital in Mulund after he complained of fever, cold and cough. His test report came positive on Thursday. His family and staff were quarantined. Bhiwandi on Thursday reported 164 new cases, taking the total to 1,496, including 91 deaths.