<span style="color: #222222;">In Maharashtra, five new cases of COVID-19, including two each from Pune and Mumbai were reported yesterday, taking the total number of infected to 45. Pune and Mumbai have been at the epicentre of this infection with Pune recording a maximum of 19 cases.<br />''Two Mumbai-based women, who tested positive for the infection, were in contact with a family that has returned from US recently. On the other hand, a 32-year old Pune-based woman, with a travel history of Netherlands and Dubai besides a 21-year old man with travel history to Singapore, Philippines and Colombo also tested positive today. Additionally, a 50-year old man from Ratnagiri, who had returned from Dubai, also tested positive for the viral infection last evening.<br />''<br />''At 45, Maharashtra has the highest number of Covid-19 cases among states in the country. However, only ten of these cases have been of local transmission, which means the local people came in contact with the 35 others who had a travel history of visiting Corona virus affected countries.<br />''<br />''Meanwhile, the State Government is on its toes and will start additional testing facilities from today. With many corporates allowing employees to work from home and government authorities operating at 50 per cent staff capacity, crowding has decreased.  <br />''Mumbai's civic body issued directions to ward officers to ensure that shops and commercial establishments remain open on alternate days and only for some fixed hours. The government has assured citizens that the supply of essential commodities will not be hampered.</span><br />