Maharashtra, which is growing rapidly COVID-19 cases, 46 deaths were recorded in June, the highest in a month since March. More than 70 per cent of these deaths – 33 – have been recorded in Mumbai.
With the pandemic curve flattening, the state reported only 9,185 cases with five deaths in May – the lowest Covid-19 fatality rate reported since the start of the outbreak in March 2020. But as the cases climbed, indicating a possible start of a fourth. Lehar, there has been a nine-fold increase in Covid deaths in the state as compared to the previous months. Till June 26, the state recorded a total of 74,499 new COVID-19 cases with 46 deaths.
Although the number of deaths has risen, public health officials say the trend is not concerning as the case fatality rate is as low as 0.06 percent.
“Most of the deceased patients were elderly and had several underlying health issues like hypertension, diabetes, heart and kidney ailments. Due to these health issues, his health condition deteriorates rapidly,” said Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) executive health officer Dr Mangala Gomare.
Although recent reports indicate the presence of new omicron Doctors say they are unlikely to become a ‘form of concern’ in some cities across the country.
Anticipating further spread of the virus seen in the last three pandemic waves, the Department of Public Health is arranging logistics to handle the increasing influx of patients. But due to the mild severity of the infection, most patients are recovering in home quarantine.
“Omicron’s new variants – BA.4 and BA.5 – are causing a spike in cases. Hopefully it will spread further but that is the nature of a virus. But our focus should be on hospitalization and mortality, which are still under control,” said Dr Pradeep Awte, state surveillance officer.