The BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday, August 23, 2021, informed that a total fo 128 coronavirus (COVID-19) patients in Mumbai have been affected with the Delta Plus variants. Data regarding this was shared after the results of 188 samples from the first batch of samples were released by the Kasturba Hospital.
Officials confirmed that out of the 188 samples, 128 were infected with Delta Plus, followed by 24 Kappa strains, two Alpha strains and the remaining with the common Covid-19 infection. The number has seen a sharp rise in a week, whereby the health department, on August 16, 2021, reported 76 Delta Plus cases in the state with the infection being spread in Beed, Mumbai, Raigad, Ratnagiri and other locations in Maharashtra.
Considering this rise, the state government and respective civic bodies have asked the citizens to follow the COVID-19 guidelines at all times. Strict laws have been imposed for the same to ensure the spread is contained in Maharashtra.
The results were released based on the test conducted at recently launched Genome Sequencing Lab at Mumbai's Kasturba Hospital. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray inaugurated the same earlier in August 2021, with an aim to expedite the testing in Maharashtra, whereby the tests were only conducted at Pune-based National Institute of Virology (NIV)
The Health Department has warned the officials regarding the rise in cases and testing is being conducted on war footing, whereby details like travel history, medical status, vaccination details, etc. are being collected for analysis. The state government has made wearing of face-masks, maintain social distancing, and the use of sanitisers mandatory at all times.
Also Read: Delta Variant To Soon Become Dominant Strain Of COVID-19 Globally, Warns WHO
Furthermore, the public celebrations for Dahi Handi have also been cancelled this year across Maharashtra. The decision was taken by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray keeping the predicted third COVID-19 wave in mind. Citizens have been asked to celebrate the festival in a simple manner, at their respective homes or premises. Crowding and public gathering will not be entertainment.
Meanwhile, guidelines for the celebration of Ganeshotsav were also released a few weeks back. Associations and mandals have been asked to celebrate the festival with a four feet idol whereas a maximum of two feet idol will be allowed for domestic festivities. No public events will be permitted during the festival and the mandals have been asked to live stream the activities.
On the other hand, the government has also appealed to the respective Dahi Handi and Ganeshotsav mandals to opt for alternative celebrations by conducting blood donation camps, health activities, awareness programs, etc.
Also Read: Pfizer, AstraZeneca shots effective against Delta variant only after 2 shots
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