Zero Covid deaths: Mumbai achieves milestone

For the first time in over a year, the city of Mumbai registered zero deaths due to coronavirus on Sunday. The daily cases in both Mumbai and Maharashtra have been steadily decreasing over the months with Maharashtra's tally at its lowest 1,553 cases detected on Saturday and 1,715 on Sunday.

Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal credits the BMC for its extensive vaccination campaign which he says has covered 97% of the population in the city with at least one dose while 55% have received both doses of the vaccine. This has steadily reduced both infection and death count.

Chahal noted that even with rising cases due to metro reopening, reducing deaths itself was a victory. Thanks to the vaccine cutting mortality rate, 96% of people who were contracting the virus after vaccination did not need the ICU he said. BMC Additional Commissioner Suresh Kakani was quoted by TOI as saying that the 'zero deaths' statistic came about as the result of hard work, constant updation of treatment protocols and vigilance during the second wave which saw a greater influx of patients but less deaths.

The state of Maharashtra reported 1,715 cases and 29 deaths on Sunday. Officials said that due to the long weekend, testing has dropped across the state. Health Minister Rajesh Tope said cases were on the decline in the state, but Covid-appropriate behaviour such as wearing masks should be followed.