What Has Led to Spike in COVID-19 Cases in Maharashtra?

<div>Stopping just short of a lockdown, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday, 21 February announced a slew of new rules given the consistent rise of COVID-19 cases in the state. The state has been consistently reporting cases over 6,000 for the past three days and recorded 6,971 new cases on Sunday -- the highest one-day spike in last 121 days since 23 October when the state clocked 7,347 cases.<br> <br> </div> <div>Issuing an ultimatum to people in his 30-minute address on Twitter on 21 February, CM Thackeray warned them of a lockdown if COVID-19 protocols were not followed. <br> <br> “It all depends on you, whether you want a lockdown or you are ready to follow the norms to avoid it,” he said in his address.<br> <br> As of now, districts such as Amravati, Akola, Yavatmal, Pune, Nashik, Parbhani have restricted movement of the people. Amravati city has been placed under lockdown for a week starting 22 February with only essential services allowed to function during the lockdown.<br> <br> </div> <div>The state government has also banned all political, religious and social gatherings in the state and Pune district administration has also imposed a curfew and announced closure of schools, colleges and private coaching classes till 28 February.<br> <br> </div> <div>What has caused this sudden spike in cases in Maharashtra? Is this spike an indication of a second wave? Does this indicate a new COVID-19 variant? And are the current vaccines available in India, Covishield and Covaxin, effective on the new variants?<br> <br> <strong>Host and Producer: </strong>Himmat Shaligram</div> <div><strong>Guest:</strong></div> <div>Dr Subhash Salunke, Technical Advisor on COVID-19 to Maharashtra government.</div> <div> <strong>Editor:</strong> Shelly Walia</div> <div><br> </div> <div> <strong>Music:</strong> Big Bang Fuzz</div> <div><br> </div> <div><strong>Listen to The Big Story podcast on:</strong></div> <div><br> </div> <div>Apple: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?q