Maharashtra tally crosses 80k

nMUMBAI: The Maharashtra government expects an increase in coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases as lockdown relaxations kick in this month and more people risk exposure to the virus. The state’s tally crossed 80,000 on Friday to reach 80,229, as 2,436 new cases were recorded.

Maharashtra’s case count makes up 35.37% of the national tally of 236,037. The state’s tally includes 42,215 active cases, or the patients who are still under treatment, according to the date from the state health department.

The state also reported 123 deaths, the same number as on Thursday, the highest singleday fatalities so far. The death toll now stands at 2,849.

Of them, 27 deaths are from last two days and the rest took place between April 21 and June 2 and have now been included in the toll, the health department said. Mumbai remains the Indian city worst hit by Covid-19 with 46,080 cases and 1,519 fatalities so far. The city recorded 1,149 cases and 54 deaths on Friday. Of the city’s case count, 25,364 are active.

From Friday, the state allowed inter-district movement in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and the opening of shops and marketplaces in red zones as part of ‘Mission Begin Again.’

From June 8, private offices will open with up to 10 % of staff.

Officials are braced for a surge in the number of Covid-19 cases. “Our concern is a {potential} rise in cases as now more people are allowed to come out even in red zones due to the fresh relaxations. It also means more people will be exposed to the virus...this is the reason we have focussing on augmenting the health infrastructure,”said a senior official, requesting anonymity.

State health minister Rajesh Tope said the recovery rate has been improving as well and reached 43.81%.

“On Friday, 1,475 patients recovered and were discharged from various hospitals. So far 35,156 patients have recovered,” Tope said.

The country is set to open several sectors of the economy on June 8.