Maharashtra: Amid worrying surge in COVID cases, state government plans mock drills

After a gap of six months, the city on Tuesday recorded more than 200 Covid cases. In the last 24 hours, 218 cases – highest in a single day – have been detected in Mumbai, taking the tally to 11,57,747. The pandemic also surged across the state, with 711 new cases being reported on Tuesday. Now, the state's caseload stands at 81,46,301.

State to conduct mock drills amid surge in cases

The spike in the number of cases has prompted the Maharashtra Government to conduct mock drills in hospitals across all districts. Pointing out that all patients are asymptomatic, senior health officials said there is no need to panic as cases are increasing in a few districts.

Health Minister Tanaji Sawant said the mock drill has been planned on April 13 and April 14. The move also comes after the Centre's last week directive about holding mock drills in hospitals to gauge the preparedness for tackling Covid.

Areas where cases are rising

Sawant informed that six districts, including Solapur, Sangli, Kolhapur, Sindhudurg, Pune and Satara, have higher numbers of patients. More cases have been detected in Pune, Raigad and Thane, given high population density. Hence, health experts have urged everyone to wear masks in crowded places.

Health minister advises citizens to take caution

Similarly, the Health Minister has also asked people not to panic but take precautions. “I have talked to all the Covid hospitals and tell you that no patient is on a ventilator or oxygen support in Maharashtra. It's very satisfactory that patients are recovering only in 48-72 hours. So, there is nothing to worry much about because prevalent variant XBB.1.16 is not as lethal as Delta variant which infected people in the second wave,” said Sawant.

Urging people to take precautions, he said that several festivals are celebrated in Chaitra month hence crowding has increased.“It's true that Covid numbers are increasing but it's not affecting much as it's a very mild variant which is prevalent in the state. No need to panic at all but everyone should take precautions while going to crowded places,” he assured. Adequate number of oxygen and ventilator beds are available. All Covid Hospitals are on standby and there is also sufficient stock of medical oxygen, he added.