Mumbai sees highest single-day jump in coronavirus cases, Maharashtra case count reaches 1,297
Maharashtra reported 162 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, of which 143 were from Mumbai alone (Representational Image, Courtesy: naewna.com)
Maharashtra saw 162 new coronavirus cases as of Thursday morning, taking the state’s COVID-19 tally to 1,297.
“Out of the 162 new cases, 143 have been reported from Mumbai,” an official said.
According to health officials, this was the highest rise in the number of coronavirus patients in a single day to date in Maharashtra and Mumbai.
The remaining cases were from Kalyan-Dombivli (4), Pune (3), Aurangabad (3), Pimpri Chinchwad (2), Navi Mumbai (2), Yavatmal (1), Thane city (1), Mira Bhayandar (1), Vasai-Virar (1) and Sindhudurg (1).
Notably, nearly 85 percent of COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra have been reported from Mumbai Metropolitan Region (which includes Thane and Navi Mumbai) and Pune district.
The number of coronavirus fatalities in the state also rose to 72, of which 45 are from Mumbai alone. Across India, the number of cases has climbed to 5,734 and the death toll stands at 166.
Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said that there was no community transmission reported in the state but lockdown must be strictly maintained.
“Places like Dharavi need to observe lockdown thoroughly. Positive cases are increasing in cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur,” he said.
Maharashtra has witnessed the highest number of cases and deaths due to coronavirus in the country. Amid the rapid spread, the state is mulling over extending the lockdown after the 21-day nationwide lockdown comes to an end on April 15.
Related: Stepping outside? Not wearing a face mask can land you in trouble
