Coronavirus Maharashtra: 90 thousand patients below 40 years of age

Mumbai: It was said that elder people were more prone to COVID-19 but the recent statistics from the state will make you think otherwise. The total number of COVID-19 cases in the state is 2,60,924 out of which more than 90,000 are young people below the age of 40 years.

The Department of Health and Medical Education has released these startling numbers. According to the department, only 924 young people had tested positive for COVID-19 until April 14. This number increased to 26,325 until May 31.

Presently, there are 42,457 patients in the state in the age group of 21 to 30 years and 47,858 patients are in the age group of 31 to 40 years. Percentage-wise these two age groups fall at 17.89 and 20.17 respectively.

The initial low numbers reported are during the lockdown period in which all non-essential activities were prohibited for more than a month. As more and more relaxations were given from the lockdown by the central and state governments followed by local administrations, youngsters stepped out of their home for work. Since then the number of youngsters catching the coronavirus has seen an uptick. Hence, as the unlocking phase continues in various parts of the state, it has become necessary for the young population to take more precautions in the coming days.

Epidemiologist Dr Om Shrivastava said, "Young population is getting infected by COVID-19 disease as they are stepping out for work. Another major reason is that most of these youngsters do not follow lockdown norms. They are stepping out to protect and reduce the exposure of other family members. The age group of 21 to 40 years also has several lifestyle diseases, but these are diagnosed in late stages. Delayed diagnosis increases the risk and complications for the patient. So all youth should focus more on their lifestyle and consuming nutritious food."

Edited by:
Khevna Pandit