With Covid-19 cases rising steadily, the Maharashtra Health Department has issued a statewide advisory. On June 2 alone, the state recorded 59 new cases—20 in Mumbai, 4 in Thane, and 17 in Pune city—bringing the total active cases to 494. Notably, 477 out of 483 cases reported in Mumbai this year were recorded in May alone. The state registered 873 cases between January and May 2025.
Thane Hospital Prepares Dedicated Covid Ward
In response to recent cases in Mumbai and Thane, the Maharashtra government has begun implementing containment measures. At Thane Civil Hospital, staff have already set up a Covid-19 ward to accommodate new patients. Nurses were seen preparing the facility on May 23, indicating a heightened state of readiness.
Health Department Urges Strict Compliance
Secretaries Nipun Vinayak and Virendra Singh of the Health Department issued the advisory to all municipal commissioners, district collectors, and zilla parishad CEOs. The advisory urges full adherence to Covid-19 guidelines and mandates timely updates of case details on designated platforms.
Precautionary Measures for High-Risk Groups
As reported by Hindustan Times, the advisory specifically urges senior citizens and people with comorbidities to avoid crowded or poorly ventilated spaces. They are advised to wear face masks when in such environments. Individuals showing symptoms such as breathing difficulties or chest pain must self-monitor and promptly report to the nearest health facility.
Omicron Sub-Variants Dominating Spread
Currently, the dominant circulating Omicron variants in the state are JN1, XFG, and LF 7.9. These variants generally cause mild symptoms—such as fever, cough, and sore throat—that often resolve without medical intervention. However, the Health Department continues to monitor their spread closely.
Call for Enhanced Hospital Preparedness
All district and sub-district hospitals, medical colleges, and municipal health facilities have been asked to review their readiness. Authorities must ensure the availability of isolation beds, oxygen supply, PPE kits, essential medicines, ICU and ventilator beds. The directive also emphasises the need to conduct mock drills to test the functionality of PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) oxygen plants and overall oxygen preparedness.
Public Awareness and Hygiene Campaigns Recommended
The advisory also stresses the importance of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities. These should promote hygienic behaviour, including proper handwashing, respiratory hygiene, and cough etiquette (such as covering one’s mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing). The goal is to encourage the public to follow preventive health measures consistently.
Nationwide Covid Snapshot
As of May 28, 2025, India had a total of 1,621 active Covid-19 cases. Over 90% of these were concentrated in six states: Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
Action Taken Reports Mandatory
Finally, the advisory mandates that all concerned authorities submit an Action Taken Report immediately. This report must detail the steps taken to implement the preparedness measures across the state.