<p>As the second wave of Covid-19 eases gradually across the country and a systematic unlocking process ensues, Maharashtra is simultaneously gearing up to face the third wave which is expected to hit earlier than projected.</p>.<p>The Delta-Plus variant of novel coronavirus could trigger the third wave of the pandemic in Maharashtra, the worst pandemic-affected state of India.</p>.<p>In a review meeting with doctors, officials and members of the Task Force, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray directed agencies to work in tandem to prevent the third wave.</p>.<p>“Let's work as per plan and ensure beds, liquid medical oxygen, medicines, equipment and maintain adequate stock, especially in the rural areas,” he said. Thackeray has asked people to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour.</p>.<p><strong><a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/science-and-environment/sputnik-v-to-offer-booster-shot-against-delta-variant-998522.html" target="_blank">Read | Sputnik V to offer booster shot against Delta variant</a></strong></p>.<p>“We need to keep up with testing even if positive cases go down,’ said Dr Rahul Pandit, a member of the Task Force.</p>.<p>In the first wave, the number of active patients was highest at 3,01,752 on September 13, 2020, while it was 6,99,858 on April 22, 2021 during the second wave of Covid-19.</p>.<p>The weekly positivity rate was 23.53 per cent on September 9, 2020, which was the highest in the first wave, and it reached 24.96 per cent on April 8, 2021.</p>
<p>As the second wave of Covid-19 eases gradually across the country and a systematic unlocking process ensues, Maharashtra is simultaneously gearing up to face the third wave which is expected to hit earlier than projected.</p>.<p>The Delta-Plus variant of novel coronavirus could trigger the third wave of the pandemic in Maharashtra, the worst pandemic-affected state of India.</p>.<p>In a review meeting with doctors, officials and members of the Task Force, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray directed agencies to work in tandem to prevent the third wave.</p>.<p>“Let's work as per plan and ensure beds, liquid medical oxygen, medicines, equipment and maintain adequate stock, especially in the rural areas,” he said. Thackeray has asked people to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour.</p>.<p><strong><a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/science-and-environment/sputnik-v-to-offer-booster-shot-against-delta-variant-998522.html" target="_blank">Read | Sputnik V to offer booster shot against Delta variant</a></strong></p>.<p>“We need to keep up with testing even if positive cases go down,’ said Dr Rahul Pandit, a member of the Task Force.</p>.<p>In the first wave, the number of active patients was highest at 3,01,752 on September 13, 2020, while it was 6,99,858 on April 22, 2021 during the second wave of Covid-19.</p>.<p>The weekly positivity rate was 23.53 per cent on September 9, 2020, which was the highest in the first wave, and it reached 24.96 per cent on April 8, 2021.</p>