Covid spread on upswing In 5 States, centre demands for strict measures
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States such as Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh have reported an upsurge in daily cases, the union government said today. The upsurge has been reported after a low that started in November-December and amid a massive push of the vaccination process. According to the union government, it has already administered more than 1.07 crore vaccine doses so far to health workers and Covid frontline workers.
"In the past week, Maharashtra has exhibited a spike in the number of daily new cases, accounting for the highest number of daily new cases in the country today. In last 24 hours, 6,112 daily new cases has been reported in the state," the Centre said.
"Similar to Maharashtra, Punjab has also shown a sudden spike in the number of daily new cases reported in last 7 days with 383 daily new cases in last 24 hours," read the statement from the government.
The authorities in Maharashtra have attributed the rise to local trains journey and laxity safety measures.
Maharashtra government has already announced strict measures to contain further spread of Covid, especially in two districts, Amaravathi and Yavathmal. Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal said citizens flouting rules for home isolation, weddings and public gatherings will be prosecuted.
Besides, 300 marshals will be appointed to take action against passengers travelling without the mask in suburban railways, the city's civic body said. The aim will be to catch 25,000 offenders every day.
Since, Feb 13, 2021, Madhya Pradesh is also witnessing a rise in the number of daily new cases. In the last 24 hours, 297 daily new cases have been registered in the state, the Centre said. Over the last seven days, Chhattisgarh has also seen a rise in daily active new cases. In the last 24 hours, 259 daily new cases have been reported, the Centre said.
"Adherence of Covid appropriate behaviour is strongly reiterated for breaking the chain of transmission of the virus and containment of the spread of the disease," the statement read.