Maharashtra: Rajesh Tope urges people to wear masks after cases of Omicron sub-variants found in Pune

In the wake of seven cases of Omicron sub-variants BA.4 and BA.5 were found in Pune, Public Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Sunday said residents of districts in the state which are reporting an increase in daily coronavirus infections should start taking more caution and wear masks. The number of daily cases is on the rise, but it is still under control, he added.

Tope said instructions have been given to health officials to undertake necessary steps to contain the spread of the virus.

"The number of patients in Maharashtra has crossed 500. The COVID-19 cases are increasing in Thane, Pune and Palghar which are part of the cluster. We have to take some measures. The 30,000 to 40,000 tests we are doing today need to be increased. The cluster districts have been asked to increase the tests. There is no reason to be scared but everyone needs to be careful,’’ said Tope. He reiterated his appeal to the people to wear masks to prevent the spread of the disease.

State Surveillance Officer Dr Pradip Awate said, ‘’There is no severity found in the infection of these Omicron sub-lineages. But state officials are closely watching the situation.’’

Meanwhile, 550 new COVID-19 positive cases with one death were reported on Sunday in Maharashtra. There are 2,997 active COVID-19 patients as on date in the state.