Maharashtra Additional Chief Secretary Health Dr Pradeep Vyas on Friday predicted that the state may report a total of two lakh active Covid-19 cases by the third week of January. Speaking to ANI, Dr Pradeep Vyas said, "Based on the current trend of rising Covid cases in the state, it is expected that we will have about two lakh active cases by the third week of January 2022. Separate instructions are issued for managing these numbers, in case some of them need hospitalization."

In view of the rising concern of a possible third wave of Covid-19 infection, the Additional Chief Secretary warned people not to be lulled by the narrative that the third wave or Omicron wave is mild and not fatal. "Don't be lulled by the narrative that third wave or Omicron wave is mild and not fatal. It's equally fatal for those who are not vaccinated and have comorbidities. So please improve vaccination coverage and save lives," he said.