Pune: Maharashtra has experienced an unexpected increase in Covid-19 cases this May, with the state health department confirming 80 new infections—a sharp jump from only four cases reported in April. The majority of these new cases have been traced to Mumbai, as per official records.
In the week spanning May 12 to May 18 alone, 53 fresh cases were reported, marking the highest weekly surge in the state this year. Since January, Maharashtra has recorded 87 Covid-19 cases, with over 90% of them emerging this month. Notably, there have been no fatalities linked to the virus during this time.
This rise in infections has also affected the state’s Covid-19 positivity rate. While the rate remained steady at 1.1% for most of 2024, it surged to 12% in May—significantly higher than April’s 0.6%. Of the 673 individuals tested in May, 80 tested positive, and 24 have already recovered.
All of the recent cases were reported in Mumbai. According to the latest bulletin from the state health department, 53 individuals who tested positive are currently isolating at home in the city.
Doctor attributed the sudden spike to shifting weather patterns and possibly diminishing immunity. She reassured the public, stating, “The rise in cases appears to be isolated and is not a cause for concern. Covid-19 has become endemic, and importantly, there have been no deaths or severe hospitalisations.”
On the question of reinstating Covid screening at airports, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said that no such directives have been issued by the Health Ministry or other concerned authorities so far.
