Mumbai: Ready to tackle 10-fold increase in Covid-19 cases, says BMC

Mumbaikars need to stay alert and follow COVID protocol of masking and self-hygiene once again as cases are fast rising, the BMC has stated. As per civic health officials, the months of April and May will be crucial for the city as a rising COVID cases trend can last for two or more months. Experts are also raising concerns over inadequate testing in the city. Doctors believe that if the number of tests is increased, the case count will also go up. The active case count in the city is 1,070 while the state currently has 3,488 active cases. The BMC has said that it is ready to tackle a tenfold rise in cases with ease.

On January 24, Mumbai had not reported even a single case, but since mid-February, cases started rising gradually and now the situation is the opposite. In the past one week, on an average, 150 new COVID patients are being found. If experts are to be believed, the COVID boom may continue till May. BMC's Executive Health Officer Dr Mangala Gomare said, "We have seen that cases go up in this particular season and the surge may continue till April-end or up to May. However, very few infected people need hospitalisation so we have ample beds. Currently, we have 1,000 active cases, so even if they rise tenfold we are prepared to deal with them. But, we need support from the people. Everyone should follow COVID protocol."

Also Read: Mumbai reports 172 cases of Covid-19, active tally at 1,070

On Sunday, the state reported 562 COVID cases, 172 of which are from Mumbai. The test positivity rate of Mumbai was 10 per cent on Sunday. Out of 1,070 active cases, only 83 patients need hospitalisation, but 25 patients are on oxygen support.

Dr Behram Pardiwala, director of internal medicine at Wockhardt hospital, said, "I think this surge will stay for some time. The problem is we are not testing enough. Lots of people have cough, cold and fever-like symptoms but there is no testing. If you test more, you will get more positive patients."