FANNING OUT

At this rate, Maharashtra will cross 50,000 mark by May 25

Despite all-round efforts, the situation on the ground is not improving. As many as 6088 persons all over the country were found to be carrying the coronavirus on Friday, the highest incidence in a single day -- a clear indication that the virus is spreading faster. With that, the tally of confirmed cases detected in the country has mounted to 118,447.

Maharashtra was no better: It recorded 2,940 new cases on Friday, its highest single-day spike thus far, taking the overall count to 44,582.

Mumbai, not a laggard in these matters, reported 1,751 new cases – also its highest singleday count till now. Overall, the city has 27,251 cases. Health experts are concerned at these rising numbers and say if fresh cases continue to be reported at this rate, Maharashtra is likely to cross the 50,000 mark by May 25.

Friday was the sixth day in a row that the state recorded over 2,000 cases in a day, adding 14,042 cases in the last six days. There were 63 fatalities in the last 24 hours, taking the total deaths in the state to 1,571. In the last six days, the state has reported 382 deaths— an average of 63 deaths in a day. However, one may take solace on the fact that the mortality rate has been declining steadily, it was 3.49 per cent on Friday.

The European Union has announced an initial funding of 500,000 euro for cyclone Amphan-affected people in India. “The EU will address immediate needs of people affected by the cyclone, as well as protect humanitarian aid and health workers from their exposure to the epidemic,” EU Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic said.