In response to the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in the state—59 reported on Monday alone—the Maharashtra Health Department has issued an advisory to administrative heads, including district collectors and municipal commissioners. The directive urges adherence to existing Covid-19 guidelines and instructs local authorities to ensure the availability of isolation beds, medical oxygen, PPE kits, essential medicines, and other treatment facilities. Special caution has been advised for senior citizens and individuals with comorbidities, recommending they avoid poorly ventilated or crowded places and wear face masks when necessary.
Covid-19 infections have shown a steady increase since last month. Between January and May, the state reported 873 cases, with 483 recorded in Mumbai—477 of which emerged in May. As per the Health Department’s June 2 update, 59 new cases were detected: 20 in Mumbai, 4 in Thane, and 17 in Pune, bringing the total number of active cases in Maharashtra to 494.
Health secretaries Nipun Vinayak and Virendra Singh issued the advisory on Monday, urging all municipal commissioners, district collectors, and CEOs of zilla parishads to closely monitor the situation and comply with central government guidelines. The advisory emphasized that even though most current cases are mild, continued vigilance and data reporting are essential.
According to the department, the Omicron subvariants JN1, XFG, and LF 7.9 are currently in circulation. These typically result in mild symptoms such as fever, cough, and sore throat. Authorities are instructed to maintain proper data entry, especially concerning comorbidities, and to implement Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities to promote hygienic practices like handwashing, respiratory hygiene, and cough etiquette. Vulnerable populations are specifically advised to exercise caution in enclosed or crowded spaces.
The advisory also calls for symptomatic individuals to monitor their health and promptly seek medical attention if they experience breathing difficulties or chest pain. Additionally, the local administration has been directed to assess the readiness of all health facilities—from district hospitals to medical colleges. Emphasis has been placed on ensuring the availability of diagnostics, critical care infrastructure, and oxygen supply, including functioning PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) plants. Mock drills are to be conducted to evaluate emergency preparedness.
An Action Taken Report on these measures is to be submitted immediately.
As of May 28, 2025, India had a total of 1,621 active Covid-19 cases, with over 90% concentrated in six states: Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
