Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Mumbai and nearby areas had reduced significantly over the last few weeks. However, officials from the state health department and the Brihnamumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recently reported a sharp rise in the cases one again, which has raised concerned for the officials, keeping the predicted third COVID wave in mind.
While the cases had dropped in mid-August, officials said that the city, over the last few days, has witnessed a rise with more than 300 cases being reported every day, in comparison to 195 cases reported on August 16, 2021. The cases have increased since August 17, 2021, and have been over 300 consistently every day, increasing the trouble for the municipal corporation during the festive season.
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The city reported 362 cases on Friday, August 29, 2021, with more than 35,000 tests being conducted in a day. Meanwhile, 391 new cases were reported on Saturday with 37,335 tests. Similar numbers were also noted earlier in the week, and officials have ensured that the testing increases with rise in cases. Over the last four days, the city also also witnessed an increase in the COVID positivity rate, from under 1 per cent reported earlier on Wednesday, to over 1.04 per cent reported on Saturday.
While this is worrisome, officials from the civic body have stated that the rise in numbers is due to the increase in number of tests and the policy imposed for high-risk contacts of the respective patients in Mumbai. The process has been revised keeping the risk and safety factors in mind which would help the officials control the spread of COVID-19 and immediate actions if necessary.
Also Read: Union Home Secretary Recommends Night Curfew in Regions With High COVID Positivity Rates
Keeping several concerns in mind and also considering the expert opinions regarding the predicted third COVID wave, the state government recently issued directives regarding the Dahi Handi and Ganeshotsav 2021 celebrations in Mumbai and other districts. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said that the public celebrations and activities for Dahi Handi have been cancelled, whereby Ganesh Chaturthi can be celebrated in a simple manner only. Associations have been asked to not allow public for worship and has encouraged the use of digital platforms for LIVE darshan. Meanwhile, citizens have been asked to follow all COVID regulations at all times during the festival. Strict action will be taken against those flouting the rules.
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