In 2021, the relief was short-lived for Mumbaikars. While November had brought along some hope with the end of the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic after April—the worst-hit month, December is marking an exponential rise in cases. Though the first half of the month recorded a low number of cases and the death toll remained at all-time lowest, the second half took a 180-degree turn. 

On December 1, the city had reported 108 cases and on December 30, the number increased close to 4,000. Death toll, however, is still low at 39 so far. A total of 16,598 cases were reported in December till 30. What is concerning is the sudden rise in cases. Till December 20, total cases stood at 4,450, with an average of 222 daily cases. However, in the past 10 days, the city has recorded 12,148 cases with the infections doubling every day or two.