When it all started last year, those above 60 years of age were vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. After wreaking havoc for a few months, the number of COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra dropped a bit towards the end of 2020, much to the relief of people. However, with new strains, there is fresh surge in cases, and infection is widespread in all age-groups.

 

Though all age-groups are now vulnerable to fresh COVID-19 infection, the official data released on Friday morning for the State of Maharashtra revealed that those in the age-group of 31-40 years constituted the highest number of patients. Of a total 28,26,275 patients registered in Maharashtra so far, as many as 6,02,279 were from this age-bracket. The patients in this age-group constituted 21.31 per cent of the cumulative number of cases registered in the State so far.

 

The data is compiled by Public Health Department with analytics by Medical Education and Drugs Department of Maharashtra Government. Though the age-wise data is not compiled for each district or city or division, the status for the entire State presents a representative picture. The data further reveals that 41-50 years’ group constitutes the second

most vulnerable group, with 18.06 per cent. Surprisingly, the third most vulnerable group is the youngest one -- 21-30 years! There is widespread public perception that only the aged people are vulnerable to COVID-19 infection, but the official data presents a different picture. As many as 4,70,871 patients in the State so far, belonged to the age-group of 21-30 years. Together, the number of patients in the age-group of 21-30 years and 31-40 years is 10,73,150, which is almost 38 per cent of total number of cases recorded so far in the State. Most of the people who are out on work or visit the marketplaces for household purchases or hang out with friends in restaurants or travel, are in these two age-groups. The official data reveals another shocking aspect that children also are prone to infection, as has been shown by some recent cases in Nagpur too. Many of them are asymptomatic patients, but have contracted infection from the elders in the house or in relation or acquaintances. As per the official data, of total number of COVID-19 cases registered so far in Maharashtra, as many as 1,87,287 are in the age-group of 11-20 years, and 88,827 are up to 10 years of age.