Why Covid-19 cases are surging in Maharashtra

Multiple factors including the crowding during the mid-January gram panchayat polls, the lackadaisical approach of citizens towards face masks and protocols/SOPs, opening up of recreation and entertainment activities have resulted in the sudden increase in Covid-19 cases in Maharashtra.

“A lot of efforts have gone in controlling the situation throughout 2020 but the way we started off 2021 and lowered the guard is concerning,” said Dr Avinash Bhondwe, President, Indian Medical Association-Maharashtra State.

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It is nearly a fortnight since the local trains have been opened for the general public, though with restricted timings in the Mumbai metropolitan region (MMR). The situation in the financial capital of India and its suburban areas need to be closely monitored.

Talking to DH, Dr Bhondwe also expressed concern over the fact that the vaccination drive is not getting the support that it should be. "Awareness needs to be increased so that more people turn up," he said.

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“We would have to look into the cases in greater detail. The gram panchayat polls are held in 34 out of the 36 districts. Nearly 50 per cent of the state’s gram panchayat went to polls....we have seen the videos and photos going viral...we have seen the crowd...and some of the top leaders of the state have addressed meetings that attracted crowds,” said Dr Bhondwe.

Besides, he pointed out that crowds were also witnessed in marriage events. “Where only 50 are permitted, more than 500 have attended...in some places, there has been a gathering of 2,000 plus people,” he said.

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Dr Bhondwe, a Pune-based consulting family physician, also pointed out that people have started going to bazaars, malls, restaurants. “That is not an issue...but what about protection...in public places, we have seen that people are not wearing masks and many even if they are wearing they are not wearing it properly,” he said.

He also said that in January, there has been a slight drop in temperature. “Now there is also a forecast of rains in parts of Maharashtra....sudden drop of temperature, unseasonal rains can be contributory factors for the spread of respiratory illnesses,” he said.

The veteran doctor also pointed out that that contact tracing and testing has to be increased. “All loose ends need to be plugged,” he said.