Pune, June 11, 2025 — The latest strain of the COVID-19 virus currently being detected is relatively mild, according to information shared by the National Institute of Virology (NIV) with the Pune Municipal Corporation. Mild symptoms are being observed mainly in individuals with comorbidities, and appropriate care is being provided to such patients, informed Dr. Neena Borade, Chief Health Officer of the PMC.
A meeting of health experts was held under the chairmanship of PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram to discuss the recent rise in COVID-19 cases. Present at the meeting were Deputy Director of Health Dr. Radhakishan Pawar, Dr. Neena Borade, representatives from NIV and the National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), and members of the COVID-19 task force.
Representatives from NIV stated that genome sequencing has revealed the currently circulating strain to be mild. Following this, the Commissioner instructed health officials to take special care of elderly patients and those with underlying health conditions.
On June 9, a total of 65 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Maharashtra. Among them, Pune Municipal Corporation recorded the highest with 26 cases, followed by Mumbai with 22, and Nagpur Municipal Corporation with 4 cases. Currently, there are 613 active cases in the state.
So far, 17,292 COVID-19 tests have been conducted across Maharashtra, out of which 1,504 individuals tested positive. Of these, 873 patients have fully recovered and been discharged, with a recovery rate of 58.04%.
The municipal corporation has urged citizens not to panic but to continue following basic preventive measures such as wearing masks, avoiding crowded places, and maintaining hand hygiene.
