The Ganeshotsav Test: State govt and BMC urge Mumbaikars to follow Covid-19 rules

State, BMC will be closely watching for cases post festival; if there is no significant spike, it will mean citizens have enough antibodies to ensure third wave won’t be as deadly as the second one, says state COVID task force

All eyes are now on the Ganeshotsav, which, according to the BMC and the state COVID-19 task force, will decide the intensity of the third wave. Officials said they will get a clear picture by the end of this month. If daily cases don’t rise significantly, it would mean citizens have enough antibodies and the third outbreak will not be as deadly as the second one, they added. However, if infections start spiking rapidly, it can be understood that the third wave has struck the city. The proper assessment of the COVID-19 situation will be done seven to 10 days after the Ganpati festival is over, said officials. 

A senior-level civic official said, “We are instructing citizens to not get together during the festivities. But, we know, people will still go to their relatives’ place for Ganpati festival.” He added that a huge number of Konkani people living in the city will be travelling to their villages for the festival. “If the COVID-19 cases do not rise after the festival, then we will be relieved.”

A couple of people seen with masks down at a market in Dadar on Sunday. Pic/Ashish Raje

“Till now, even experts are not sure whether or not there would be a third COVID-19 wave. But, recently, in Kerala, people gathered for the Onam festival and suddenly the cases started climbing rapidly. A similar situation is feared in Mumbai post Ganeshotsav,” the civic official said.

‘People have to be cautious’

BMC Additional Commissioner Suresh Kakani told mid-day, “Currently, we are focusing on Ganeshotsav. Once Ganeshotsav is over, we will be able to understand the COVID-19 situation more clearly. Until now, the condition is under control, but people have to take all precautions.”

Ignoring the physical-distancing norm, people flood the street for shopping, ahead of Ganeshotsav, at Dadar, on Sunday. Pic/Ashish Raje

In the past few days, Mumbai has witnessed about 20 per cent rise in COVID-19 cases, but experts don’t believe it is because of the third wave. Moreover, the BMC has increased the number of COVID-19 tests, which has resulted in the rise in the infection figure. Experts said that even the test positivity rate, which has increased to 1.29 per cent from 0.41 per cent in August, is under control and there is nothing to fear about.

Delta a worry

Dr Shashank Joshi, a member of the state COVID-19 task force, told mid-day, “Maximum number of people are celebrating Ganpati festival at home, which means there is a less chance of an increase in the spread of the novel Coronavirus. However, the Delta variants are active in the city and people have to take more strict precautions. Our focus should be on fully vaccinating a maximum number of people.”

People, with their masks down, stand by a Ganesha idol, at the Parel workshop, on Sunday. Pic/Atul Kamble

Another task force member, Dr Rahul Pandit, said, “I don’t want to say whether or not the third wave would come because of Ganeshotsav, but people have to follow all COVID-19 safety guidelines and avoid mass gatherings.”

Also Read: Covid-19: Ahead of Ganesh festival, Mumbai cops begin crackdown on people found not wearing masks

Meanwhile, the government is expected to not allow even Navratri celebrations in public places. And the BMC is trying to fully vaccinate every Mumbaikar by Diwali in November.

10
Days post festival that the situation will be clear

19 Sept
The last day of the Ganesh visarjan

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