After reporting 1,724 patients on Tuesday, Covid’s upward spiral continued in the city on Wednesday, with 2,293 cases. However, the figure becomes starker as it’s the highest single-day spike since January 23 when 2,550 cases were found in a day. With the new additions, the city’s pandemic count surged to 10,85,882, while the death toll rose to 19,576 as one person died of the virus.
In the past 24 hours, Maharashtra reported 4,024 new cases and two deaths; pushing its tally to 79,19,442, with 1,47,877 fatalities till now. Moreover, as per the latest report of Pune’s BJ Medical College, 4 patients of BA.5 variant have been reported in the state. These patients are from Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai and Pune. All these patients are women in the age group of 19 to 36 years. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of 3 patients has been done at the National Institute of Virology, Pune and one at the BJ College. The condition of these patients is stated to be stable.
“Currently variants are found in samples taken in May but June samples will have different results and scenarios. We will be seeing new variants and their lineages. Moreover, the parameter to gauge should be hospitalisations and deaths,” explained a senior health officer.
Stressing upon to follow Covid norms, Ameri Health Home Healthcare Asian Hospital consultant and infectious diseases specialist Dr Charu Dutt Arora said, “The reports suggest that the new Omicron subvariant, BA 2.12 and BA2.38, are becoming dominant. The same variants were the dominant strain in the US early this year. This happens because the new lineage variants can evade the immunity in people.” Citing low rates of hospitalisations and deaths, she assured us that there is no need to panic.
Similarly, Dr Hedgewar Hospital, BAVP medical director Dr Anant Pandhare said, “The genome sequencing of many patients has found BA2, BA3 and BA5 variants. However, they have symptoms of a cold and flu-like illness. Mutations are a part and parcel of the life cycle of any virus. Although, the present variant does not have any rise in mortality to date. Therefore, it’s essential to take vaccinations at regular intervals as it helps to avoid life-threatening complications.”
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15th June, 6:00pm#NaToCorona pic.twitter.com/HLqc5vv8Hw
— माझी Mumbai, आपली BMC (@mybmc) June 15, 2022
