Maharashtra recorded 13 new COVID-19 cases, all confined to Mumbai, marking the first instance of a two-digit figure in several months. The surge comes on a day when the Central government urged states to intensify surveillance against the coronavirus. All 13 newly reported cases are currently in home isolation, with none requiring hospitalization. The state’s weekly COVID-19 report indicates an increase in cases over recent weeks, with 8 cases reported from November 22 to 27, escalating to 14 between November and December 4, 22 from December 5 to 11, and 25 in the week ending December 18. Of the 24 active cases in the state, 19 are in Mumbai. Health officials attribute the rise to the expected increase in flu activity during this season due to temperature fluctuations and other factors. Since January, COVID-19 has claimed 134 lives in the state. In response to the recent surge in COVID cases and the identification of the new JN.1 variant in the country, Union Health Secretary Sudhansh Pant issued a letter to states, emphasizing the need for sustained vigilance and collaborative efforts between the Centre and state governments. While acknowledging India’s successful trajectory with consistently low rates, Pant emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum in addressing public health challenges amid the ongoing circulation of the virus.
