Maharashtra may ease curbs after Diwali if COVID-19 stays contained, says state Health Minister

Commenting on the development, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal said, "This is great news for all of us in Mumbai. I salute Team MCGM (Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai) for their spectacular performance...Let us all keep the mask on our faces and let every citizen of Mumbai get vaccinated if some of us haven’t yet. I appeal to everyone to help us keep Mumbai safe."

Echoing a similar sentiment, Maharashtra's Minister of Tourism and Environment Aaditya Thackeray tweeted, "The good news: Mumbai today has recorded zero COVID-19 deaths, the first time since March 26, 2020. Keep the mask on the face and get yourself vaccinated if you haven’t yet! Help us keep Mumbai safe, we’re here to serve you."

Maharashtra recorded 1,715 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, taking the cumulative number of active cases in the state to 28,631. According to official data, new infections in the state are on a downward trend. While the state logged in 1,61,161 infections in August, the new cases dropped to 85,980 in September.

Earlier this month, schools reopened for students of Classes V to XII in rural areas. In urban areas, schools reopened for students of Classes VII to XII. Besides, all places of worship were allowed to reopen from October 7, the first day of Navratri.