Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Thursday, announced 'Mission Kavach Kundal' a special mission to boost up the speed of vaccination in Maharashtra. The aim of this mission will be to administer 15 lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses from October 8 to October 14.

"In view of Central government's aim to administer 100 crore vaccines across the country before Dusshera (October 15), the state government has decided to administer 15 lakh vaccines per day under this scheme" Tope told the mediapersons.

"As per the data I have, nearly 60 per cent of the people of the state have been jabbed with their first dose and 30 per cent of the people have been jabbed with the second dose" added Tope.

Speaking about the likely third wave, Tope said that the government will get an idea around the time of Dusshera and Diwali festivals. He then highlighted the importance of maintaining a proper immune system.

The ministry of health and welfare on Thursday informed said that the total coverage of vaccination is around 92.63 Crore with 43 lakh doses being administered yesterday.

Meanwhile, the country reported 22,431 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours. Maharashtra on the other hand reported 2,876 new cases on Wednesday.