Representative image MUMBAI: Despite the increase in the number of tests, Maharashtra reported fewer cases on Tuesday than it had on Monday. However, there was a significant rise in fatalities. The state reported 14,123 cases from 2.22 lakh tests that were conducted in the last 24 hours. Tuesday’s daily detections were the lowest in 83 days since March 10 (13,659). Maharashtra had added 15,077 cases on Monday from the 1.9 lakh tests conducted on Sunday and reported 184 deaths. The state reported 477 fatalities on Tuesday and added 377 old deaths, taking the total death toll to 96,198. The state’s total caseload rose to 57.6 lakh cases. Although cases registered in Mumbai on Tuesday (830) were higher than on Monday (666), experts said it was only a function of the increased number of tests. While 17,865 tests were carried out on Sunday (resulting in the Monday tally), the corresponding number on Monday was 23,503 tests. “The second wave has truly made a rapid decline in both Mumbai and Maharashtra and that too, earlier than expected,” said Maharashtra Covid task force member Dr Shashank Joshi. “The decline occurred mainly due to the restrictions and curbs that reduced crowding. But we need to lift these curbs with care to ensure that there is no crowding and people observe Covid-appropriate behaviour,” Joshi said.