Pune: Despite Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC’s) constant pleas to obey the COVID-19 safety rules, people are seen flouting social distancing and other norms in the Hadapsar-Mundhwa ward of Pune. With this, the area is now reporting the highest number of COVID-19 cases.

According to the PMC’s ward-wise data (dated February 23), the Hadapsar-Mundhwa ward has reported as many as 156 Covid-19 cases in just two days, making it the most affected ward in the city. On Monday, the area reported 65 cases while Tuesday saw the count jumping to 91.

A PMC official from the ward said the administration has notified all the vendors and traders in the area to practice all COVID-19 protocols and to be more alert.

A resident in the area who wished to remain unnamed said, “People are still venturing out without masks. People in the area must understand this grim situation. If the situation loses its control, the area which was under red-zone last year may face strict restrictions.”

“Many people gather at vegetable and fish market here where social distancing is flouted. Even some traders are seen without masks. Strict action should be taken against all those who fail to follow the norms,” he demanded.

Apart from Hadapsar-Mundhwa, areas such as Kothrud-Bavdhan, Warje-Karvenagar is reporting a surge in new cases. Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) officials stated that contact tracing has been ramped up after the city witnessed a sudden spike of COVID-19 cases while more swab collection units will be constructed.

Check out which areas reporting maximum cases of COVID-19 in the city:

Meanwhile, Pune city reported 661 new cases of COVID-19 taking the total to 1,98,953 while four people lost their lives on Tuesday. Also, 358 people were discharged from various hospitals taking the total recoveries in the city to 1,90,918.