PUNE: The highest numbers of active
Covid-19 cases in
Maharashtra are in Pune, Mumbai and Thane, records show.
In fact, five districts, including Pune, currently hold almost 70% of all the
active cases in Maharashtra, which as on December 15 had 71,356 patients undergoing treatment.
The state overall has been seeing dips in the number of new infections. But experts urged citizens and authorities to keep up precautions and surveillance.
The state task force in particular has warned that cases could rise by the end of December or early January. Members of the task force said citizens should continue to wear masks and maintain physical distancing.
“Pune district continues to have the highest number of active cases. It’s followed by Mumbai and Thane. Testing for the virus has increased, but this number (active cases) has to drop,” said Sanjay Deshmukh, deputy director of health services for Pune division.
Deshmukh said authorities will have to stick to the three Ts — tracing, tracking and testing — to reduce the number of cases.
“Overall, the number of daily infections may have reduced. But we cannot let our guard down now,” he said.
Subhash Salunke, technical advisor to the state on Covid-19, said current focus was on super-spreaders and increased testing. However, he asked the general population to stay cautious.
“We are seeing a plateau in Pune district’s pandemic graph. But we must also bear in mind that we continue to get 500 to 600 cases every day,” he said.
State surveillance officer Pradeep Awate said, “We think cases may pick up by the end of December or early January. We have directed authorities in all districts to stay alert.”
Health experts have also urged citizens to avoid crowding during the winter months.
In an interview earlier this month, state task force member Dr Shashank Joshi said crowded events — such as weddings and festival gatherings — were responsible for at least 80% of all new cases of
Covid in the district.