Covid-19: BMC steps up third wave preparations, instructs ward offices to increase manpower

A BMC health worker conducts an RT-PCR test of a passenger at Dadar station on Wednesday. Pic/Ashish Raje

Considering the possibility of a third Covid-19 wave and local trains reopening for more people, the BMC on Wednesday directed all ward offices to ramp up Coronavirus tests and contact tracing. They have also been instructed to prepare Covid Care Centres and upgrade ward war rooms, in view of the probable increased threat to children.

Various business and commercial centres are reopening, including restaurants, and [more] people are now being allowed to travel via local trains. Orders have been issued to increase the number of tests, including RT-PCR and Rapid Antigen, and to ensure the availability of the kits at all times," said a civic official.

Passengers being tested at LTT. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

Additional Municipal Commissioner Suresh Kakani, who is in charge of preparations against Covid-19, directed all seven zones and 24 ward offices of the BMC to prepare Covid Care Centres and hospitals, and upgrade the ward war rooms, and ensure more effective management of containment zones.

He has also told the ward offices to inspect Covid Care Centres (for asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic patients) set up during the first and second waves and update the list. The ward offices also have to increase manpower and services required at these centres. As per previous protocol, contact tracing of 15 people was being done for each infected person, but now it has been increased to 20.

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The civic corporation will also review jumbo Covid hospitals and centres, supply of medical equipment and medicine, cleaning and hygiene services.