‘Slight rise in cases but no need to worry yet’

MUMBAI: Covid cases in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) have seen a slight surge in the past 15 days. In mid-august, Mumbai had reported around 250 new cases, while in the past five days, it has been clocking around 350 cases daily.

Significantly, suburban trains in Mumbai have been opened for fully-vaccinated travellers since August 15. However, state health department officials said the surge it is not a trend and that easing of restrictions could have resulted in the minuscule increase in fresh cases. On Monday, Maharashtra reported 3,741 Covid-19 infections to take its tally to 6,460,680. It added 52 deaths, taking the toll to 137,209. The active case count in the state was 51,834 on Monday.

As per the health department, Mumbai recorded 325 cases on August 1, which declined to 262 on August 15. On August 29, the city reported 345 fresh cases. Similarly, Navi Mumbai had 72 new cases on August 1, which decreased to 51 on August 15, but rose to 87 on Sunday. Kalyandombivli and Vasai-virar, too, have shown a similar increase in the past 15 days. Thane city reported 67 cases on August 1, which decreased to 50 in midaugust. On Sunday, 44 were cases reported.

In the past few days, cases have shot up to over 300 per day, whereas Mumbai had hit as low as 195 and 196 infections on

August 16 and 17 respectively.

State surveillance officer Dr Pradeep Awate, said: “Cases in Mumbai and rest of MMR could have seen some minor increase, but it is not a trend,” adding that that overall, there is a downward trend in the state and even in MMR. When asked if opening up of local trains earlier this month could have resulted in the increase, he said, “It is too early to judge that, but easing of restrictions does have some impact [on viral activity].”

A senior health department official added, “It take about two incubation cycles or 28 days to see the impact of any restriction being eased or imposed. It has only been 15 days since trains were accessible to more people. By mid-september, we will know if the opening up of trains has had any significant impact on viral activity.”

The surge has, however, left a section of officials and civic authorities worried, especially with the festive season approaching. The home department on Monday issued an order, banning all gatherings such as community rituals, cultural events and human pyramids for the Dahi Handi festival. Health minister Rajesh Tope indicated that the festive season is a cause of concern, with Ganeshotsav – one of the biggest festivals in the state – round the corner. He added that all Covid-19 protocols have to be followed by those going to Konkan for Ganeshotsav, which falls on September 10. He said there is no decision on night curfew so far.