BREAKING: First positive COVID-19 case detected in one of world's largest slums, Dharavi

In a big development on Wednesday, the first confirmed case of COVID-19 was detected in Mumbai's Dharavi, which is one of the world's largest slum. The partient is a 56-year-old man with no travel history and has been admitted to Sion hospital in Mumbai. Moreover, his family of 7 members is also under observation. The area has been sealed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 tally in Maharashtra has crossed 335 besides 13 deaths.

Earlier in the day, the state Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Wednesday warned that the number of positive cases in the state is expected to rise. Moreover, he added that about 5000 individuals are high-risk contacts who have been quarantined. Assuring of the government's aid, he said that the authorities were doing their best to control the virus.

Rajesh Tope remarked, "Expect the number of positive cases in Maharashtra to rise. More than 5000 people are high-risk contacts and are quarantined. Govt doing its best to control this virus." 

Read: Maha CM Uddhav Rubbishes Reports Of Pay-cut, Clarifies 'full Salary To Be Paid In Phases'

Rising number of cases in Maharashtra

82 novel coronavirus cases were reported on Tuesday, which includes more than 59 cases from Mumbai itself. As per the Maharashtra Health Department, one person from the Philippines who attended the Markaz Nizamuddin has been traced and appropriate action has been taken. Moreover, the authorities are also tracing other possible contacts. Tope revealed that the maximum number of the novel Coronavirus cases were concentrated in the Mumbai and Thane region. 

Read: COVID-19: Thackeray Govt Warns Of Rise In Cases In Maharashtra; 5000 Persons Quarantined

Uddhav Thackeray rubbishes reports of pay cut

Addressing the people of Maharashtra on Tuesday, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray clarified that the government was not deducting the salary of the employees. According to him, the full salary to the employees would be paid in phases to bolster the economic condition of the state in the wake of the novel coronavirus crisis. Moreover, he assured that people engaged in essential services would receive the salary on priority. Thackeray requested the people to offer him co-operation in this regard.

Uddhav Thackeray remarked, “There was a sudden buzz in the afternoon today. Everyone felt that the Maharashtra government has cut the salaries of employees. We have not cut salaries. This is a crisis that has popped up suddenly. Once the coronavirus crisis gets over, we will have to face an economic crisis. We are taking precautions so that the economic system does not break down. That’s why I want to clarify that the salary will be given in phases.” 

Read: Coronavirus LIVE Updates: 2361 Nizamuddin Markaz Occupants Evacuated; Total Case At 1637

Read: PM Modi To Address All State CMs Via Video-conference On Thursday Amid Markaz COVID Scare