COVID-19: People flock social distancing norms at Dadar Market in Mumbai

Amid the surge in COVID-19 cases in the state, hundreds of people were seen flouting social distancing norms at at Dadar Market in Mumbai on Monday morning.

Many among them were not wearing masks. Amid a spike in COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra, the state government on Thursday decided to impose lockdown in many district.

In the last 24 hours, Mumbai reported 1962 new COVID-19 cases.

Maharashtra recorded this year's highest one-day spike of 16,620 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, which pushed its overall caseload to 23,14,413, while 50 deaths pushed the toll to 52,861, the health department said.

The Union Health Ministry on Thursday during its weekly press conference expressed concerns over the COVID-19 situation in Maharashtra and said that the reduced testing, tracing and lack of COVID appropriate behaviours have led to the surge in active cases in the state.

"We are very worried about Maharashtra. This is a serious matter. This has two lessons- don't take the virus for granted and if we have to remain Covid free, then, we need to follow Covid appropriate behaviour," Member (Health), NITI Aayog Dr VK Paul said.

Echoing a similar remark, ICMR DG Balram Bhargava said that Maharashtra has shown a worrisome trend.

"The mutant strain has not been found incriminating in this surge in cases. It is just related to reduced testing, tracking & tracing and COVID inappropriate behaviour and large congregations," he said.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said strict lockdown measures will be enforced in some parts of the state to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Maharashtra: Huge crowd seen at Dadar Market in Mumbai this morning. In the last 24 hours, Mumbai reported 1962 new #COVID19 cases. pic.twitter.com/BARc0v0hoC

— ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2021