Maharashtra added 6,51,513 COVID-19 cases in March this year, which accounts for 88.23 per cent of the total number of cases reported in the previous five-month period, according to official data. Between October 1 last year and February 28, 2021, the state recorded 7,38,377 cases of coronavirus.

The data shows the increased pace of the viral infection in March 2021 compared to previous months. One of the main reasons for it is the people not following "COVID-appropriate behaviour", say experts. Many people are not maintaining social distance and do not wear masks, exposing themselves to the infection, they say.