Mumbai: The central government on Thursday informed that 8 out 10 top worst COVID-19 hit districts in India are from Maharashtra.

While Pune tops with the highest number of new cases, Mumbai, Thane, Amravati, Nagpur, Aurangabad, Jalgaon are other districts in the state with highest COVID-19 cases in India, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan informed at a NITI Aayog COVID-19 status presentation here. Though active Covid cases touched the lowest mark in mid-February, since then, Maharashtra, along with some states in India has shown a surge in the cases.

However, Indian Council of Medical Research Director General, Balram Bhargava said despite Maharashtra showing a ‘worrisome trend’, there are no mutant strains of the SARS-COV-2 found in the cases surging in the state. "The surge (in Maharashtra) is just related to the reduced number of testing, tracking and tracing as well as Covid-inappropriate behaviour and large gatherings," he said.

This came after Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray hinted about a lockdown in some regions of the state on Thursday.

Talking to media persons after taking the COVID-19 vaccine jab at the Sir JJ Hospital on Thursday, CM Thackeray warned that cases are continuing to increase in many places in the state, including Pune, Mumbai, Nashik and more. “People must take all precautions and follow the norms strictly. Also, all those who are eligible for the vaccine at this stage must get it," he appealed.

Curbs and restrictions in forms of lockdown, Janata Curfew are already imposed Nagpur, Dhule, Aurangabad, Palghar, Thane, Amravati, with District Collectors authorised to take the call as the local situation warrants.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra on Thursday reported 14,317 fresh COVID-19 cases and 57 fatalities, the state government said in a statement.

(With inputs from IANS)