So it seems India has entered the 2nd phase of Covid 19 pandemic, as cases are being increased all over, considering there was lull in the number of cases one month back. India saw sharpest rise ever in Covid cases during last week (15-21 March), wirh recorded cases rising by 67% over the previous week. The country logged 1 lakh cases more last week compared to the earlier week.
The country recorded over 2.6 lakh new cases during last week, as compared to 1.55 lakh cases in the previous week, making it the worst surge of the pandemic till date. The ealiest highest surge was during July’s 4th week which that time had a maximum increase in weekly cases by 34% as compared to the earlier week.
Yesterday India added over 47,000 cases, which is the highest daily count in last 130 days. out of this only Maharashtra state contributed to over 30,000, which has become the highest daily tally. With daily death tally stood at 213, highest since 8th Jan.
In the last week where as country added over 2.6 lakh cases, with Maharashtra contributing over 1.65 lakh cases. The surge in the other states is not high when compared to Maharashtra. Gujarat logged 1580 fresh cases which is highest number of daily cases since 28th Nov 20. Similarly othe states like MP, Tamilnadu,Kerala,Karnataka, Chhatisgarh, UP & Rajasthan also logged highest number of daily cases compared to daily cases logged ¾ months back.
Maharashtra being the worst affected state and Mumbai is the worst affected city. Yesterday Mahashtra continued to record more than 24,000 cases for 4th day in row, with number of cases stood at 30,535, and Mumbai recorded 3,779 cases,compared to few weeks earlier when the total number of cases used to be in 3 figures. As per Commissioner of BMC, the daily cases tally may touch 6000 in coming days. This is a worrying factor fot the Mumbaikars.
In seems that both govt of Mahashtra and people of the state are responsible for the presennt scenario. In Mumbai with the lifting of total lockdown few weeks back, people have become careless and many of them do not wear mask in public places. On the other hand govt’s stand is we will fine people venturing out without mask, but this is not yielding result. Looks like this also has given rise to number of cases and also it may add to already prevailing corruption in the BMC, which on the record is the corrupt body. The marshalls appointed by BMC are less in numbers to check the maskless menance. Other alternative would have been to give charge to the policemen, but they are already overloaded with the work and they are also known for indulging in corruption.
Over 22 lakh people have been fined in Mumbai city during last 2 months for not wearing mask in public places. Looking at present situation it seems that how many people must have escaped the punishment. It looks like peole in general are becoming very careless in their attitude towards Covid
Although vaccination drive is one, but it is also being mismanaged, In last 2 months even 55% of supplied vaccine doses are not being used. Even the rate of daily vaccination is not picking up. Considering the population of the state , it is essential that minimum 3 lakhs people muct be vaccinated on daily basis, on this basis it might take 6 months to vaccinate the entire eligible population of the state, but the figure is just barely 1 lakhs doses per day.
All of these only means that the days ahead are not good, and it looks like even in 2021 all people of 60+ age will have to stay at home. fir their own safety. Even after getting 2 doses if avccine you are not sure whether it will be safe to move out, without being affected.
Now only time will tell, what will happen in near future.
Awaiting your views and comments
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
22nd March 1991.
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