BMC renews efforts to tackle third-wave as fresh Covid-19 cases see surge

A health worker tries to take a swab sample at LTT, Kurla, on Wednesday. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

The alarming surge of COVID cases in the city on Wednesday prompted the BMC to step up efforts to tackle the third wave. It reactivated the Malad and Kanjurmarg jumbo centres and the quarantine areas for asymptomatic positive air passengers at BKC and Nesco facilities. Civic authorities have also intensified checks at restaurants and bars to ensure adherence to COVID norms. The Malad centre is better equipped to treat young children.

During the day, Guardian Minister Aaditya Thackeray met the mayor and BMC chief to review the emerging situation in the city. "This might be the beginning of the third wave. Don't take Omicron lightly," said Thackeray. He said the corporation has started the preparation for vaccination of teenagers between 15 and 17 years of age and a decision on schools will be taken later.

Beneficiaries receive vaccine doses at Nair hospital on Wednesday. Pic/Ashish Raje

Sources said BMC Commissioner I S Chahal has asked ward officers to diligently check CCTV footage to keep a watch on hotels and restaurants. The BMC has already banned all New Year parties on open as well as closed premises. It will work in tandem with the police to check if curbs are being flouted.

Sources said the civic commissioner also ordered to start COVID Care Centres that can house at least 500 patients near every ward office.

More trainee doctors will be appointed for the next two months in the control rooms of all the ward offices. These trainee doctors will be entrusted with the tasks including follow-up of patients and those in home quarantine.

Chahal has also said that regular RT-PCR test samples should be sent for genome sequencing.

Now, 7-day isolation must for UAE returnees

Five days after it made it mandatory for air travellers from Dubai to undergo 7-day quarantine in the city, the civic corporation on Wednesday added UAE to the list. Also, every passenger arriving in Mumbai from UAE will be put to an RT-PCR test.

The BMC will start separate quarantine facilities of 500 beds each at BKC and Goregaon Nesco jumbo centres for air passengers who are asymptomatic. Such patients won't be charged for their stay at these facilities. Those willing to stay in designated hotels at their own cost will be permitted, said officials.

500
No. of beds each at BKC, Nesco for +ve air travellers