Maharashtra govt mulls lockdown extension in Mumbai, Pune as Covid count soars: Report

As COVID cases continue to rise at an alarming rate in Mumbai and Pune, Maharashtra cabinet, on Thursday, reportedly mulled extension of lockdown in most-affected areas of state. In a meeting chaired by Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray along with six or ministers, reportedly voiced for lockdown relaxations to be provided in areas apart from red zones and containment zones in state. However, cabinet was of opinion that lockdown in most affected areas, especially Mumbai and Pune, should be extended until May 31. 

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COVID-19 cases in Mumbai

In highest-ever single-day rise of coronavirus cases in Mumbai, as many as 998 new infections were detected, taking tally to 16,579 on Thursday, while 25 more patients succumbed to disease, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said. previous one-day high - 875 - was recorded on May 10. Fresh fatalities took toll in financial capital beyond 600-mark, it said. According to BMC, with new cases, tally in city increased to 16,579, while 25 more deaths took toll to 621.

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Samples of 364 of 998 new cases tested positive in private labs, but y were recorded with BMC on Thursday, civic body. BMC also informed that so far 4,234 patients have been discharged from city hospitals, 443 of m on Thursday. According to BMC, out of 25 patients who died in city, 16 had co-morbidities (pre-existing medical conditions).

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A senior officer of BMC said 33 new cases of coronavirus were found in Dharavi along with two deaths. With this, case tally in sprawling slum colony has gone up to 1,061 and death toll to 49. BMC also informed that it has expanded capacity of COVID CareCentre-1, where suspected and close contacts are admitted for treatment, to 22,941 beds. Similarly, capacity of COVID CareCentre-2, where asymptomatic positive/mild cases are admitted, has been expanded to 34,329 beds.

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194 new patients in Pune

With 194 new patients being detected since previous night, number of coronavirus cases in Pune district rose to 3,426 on Thursday, a health official said. death toll due to pandemic reached 181 with six persons dying during day, official said. "Of new 194 cases, 175 were reported in Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) limits, which w has 2,985 patients.