Maharashtra, on Sunday, reported a spike of 4,092 COVID-19 cases after 39 days. The spike took the novel Coronavirus tally in the state to 20.64 lakh. It also reported 40 more deaths, to 51,529 overall total deaths in the state.
The number of cases has seen an upward trajectory for the past four or five days in Maharashtra. Health experts have sounded an alarm stating that the administration will have to increase tracing and testing. Also, people will have to strictly adhere to COVID-19 appropriate behaviour.
Dr Joshi said that the population that was thus far unexposed to the virus could be getting affected. He suggested that areas should be re-looked at and put on “red alert”.
The exposed population could have herd immunity, but the unexposed population is getting hurt now. For example, children who never stepped out earlier are now going to schools. There might be a spurt in these cases. We need to increase testing, tracking and isolation, he added.
Footfall in Mumbai trains has gone up from 2 million to 3.4 million after the general public was allowed to use trains from February 1.
The vaccination drive is progressing slowly and it will take time for herd immunity to build after inoculation, Dr Subhash Salunkhe advisor to State government on COVID-19 said.