Mumbai: Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Thursday said that he has tested positive for COVID-19. In a social media message, the Health Minister said, "I have tested positive for COVID-19." "My health condition is fine. I appeal to those who have come into contact with me recently to get tested at the earliest," he said. "I will get better in coming days and will be ready to serve the people of this state again," the Minister added.

Earlier on Thursday, Maharashtra Irrigation Minister Jayant Patil declared that he had tested positive for Covid-19. "I have tested positive for Covid. Whilst I am doing fine, I am taking appropriate medical advice and hope to recover soon," said Patil, who is also state Nationalist Congress Party President.

Meanwhile, unnerved by the increasing numbers of coronavirus cases in multiple parts of Maharashtra, the state government on Thursday declared a series of punitive measures for Mumbai, as well as the, Yavatmal, Akola Amravati districts to contain the further spread of infection.

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Chief Secretary Sanjay Kumar and other top officials also reviewed the emerging grim situation in the state and directed instructions to deploy the stern measures immediately.