MUMBAI: For the fourth consecutive day, the state registered fewer than 1,000 Covid-19 cases on Monday. The state Covid update on Monday showed that 751 cases and 15 deaths were registered in Maharashtra.
However, the low tally could also be the result of fewer tests being conducted due to Diwali, said state officials. Only 61,720 tests were conducted in the state as against the usual 1.2 lakh to 1.5 lakh. State health officials said people weren’t turning up for testing due to the festival. “As duplicate cases were found during Diwali (between November 4 and 7), the state tally has decreased by 58,’’ said state surveillance officer Dr Pradeep Awate. The state tally since March 2020 stands at 66,18,347
In Mumbai, where the Covid graph has been on a decline since June, only 13 buildings are sealed as against 30-plus last week. On Monday, the city continued with its five-day trend of registering less than 300 cases (206).
Dr Shashank Joshi, member of the state government task force, said the public health department has to stay vigilant as there was crowding and socializing during Diwali. “We could see the effect in the next two weeks,” he said, adding the next fortnight is crucial. Dr Joshi said there could be a slight increase due to the socialization. “However, the health officials should use this time to locate people who have taken the vaccine and counsel them to take the shot,” he added.
