Maharashtra's daily Covid-19 case tally drops to 51,751

After a week of strict restrictions and a weekend curfew, Maharashtra saw a drop in cases on Monday even as the Uddhav Thackeray-led government is contemplating imposing a two to three weeks’ lockdown by this weekend.

The government is keeping its finger crossed and would like to have a closer look at the figures on Wednesday when the state Cabinet meets to approve a Covid-19 lockdown.

In the last 24 hours, the state recorded 51,751 cases and 258 deaths taking the total to 34,58,996 and 58,245, respectively.

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The state was reporting an average of 55,000 to 60,000 cases over the last week.

Monday’s 24-hour tally of 52,751 and 258 is a significant drop given the fact that the state reported a record high of 63,249 cases and 349 deaths on Sunday.

In the last 24 hours, Mumbai reported 6,839 cases, and the larger Mumbai metropolitan region (MMR) 14,424.

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“We have to break the cycle and the larger suggestion is to have a two-week lockdown,” said relief and rehabilitation minister Vijay Wadettiwar.

“We will be discussing the latest scenario on Wednesday and take a call,” added public health minister Rajesh Tope.

Meanwhile, school education minister Varsha Gaikwad announced the postponement of 10th and 12th class board examinations in the state by nearly a months’ time. The board exams were to scheduled start at the end of April.