Pune Reports 4 New Covid Cases as Maharashtra Logs 45; Officials Ramp Up Vigilance Amid Rise
Pune Reports 4 New Covid Cases as Maharashtra Logs 45; Officials Ramp Up Vigilance Amid Rise
Health officials increase surveillance and preparedness across Pune as new subvariants drive uptick in infections
PUNE – Maharashtra recorded 45 new Covid-19 cases on Friday, with four fresh infections reported in Pune district, according to data released by the state health department. The majority of new cases emerged from Mumbai, which reported 35 infections, followed by smaller numbers from Raigad, Kolhapur, Thane, and Latur.
In response to the rising trend, Pune has reinforced its preparedness. The Pune Municipal Corporation has reserved 50 beds at Naidu Infectious Diseases Hospital to manage any potential increase in cases. All patients presenting with influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) are now being routinely tested for Covid-19.
The state has tested 6,891 samples since January, of which 210 have returned positive. So far, 85 individuals have recovered from the infection. Three Covid-related deaths have been reported in 2024, all from Mumbai — with the third death confirmed on Friday.
Although the surge remains relatively mild, health officials in Pune and across Maharashtra are urging the public to maintain hygiene and take necessary precautions, particularly individuals with underlying health conditions.
This localized rise in infections comes amid the emergence of new subvariants such as OF.7 and NB.1.8, which are being closely monitored by health authorities. Experts believe the uptick may be linked to waning immunity and the enhanced transmissibility of these newer strains.
Cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Gurugram have also reported increased caseloads in recent days, aligning with broader regional trends observed in parts of Asia, including Hong Kong and Singapore.
Health authorities have stressed that while the situation does not warrant panic, continued vigilance, responsible behavior, and medical preparedness are crucial to managing this phase of the pandemic.
