BMC warns of a huge surge in Covid-19 cases

Amid a recent spurt in Covid-19 infections, Mumbai yesterday saw its daily caseload cross the 500 mark for the first time in weeks. The metropolis had reported cases in three digits on 27 days this month with hospitalisations increasing by 231% from April to May. Against this backdrop, Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal today directed all civic departments to amp up preparations.

The official today said that jumbo field hospitals have been asked to remain staffed and alert, while private hospitals have been asked to start preparations to handle a surge in cases. The assistant commissioner of wards has been asked to review the status of the war rooms. The official also warned that Mumbai could see a rapid rise in symptomatic cases with monsoon around the corner.

With the Covid-19 test positivity in the city now at 6%, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said that testing would be increased on a “war footing”. The civic body has also called for an aggressive push to be given to vaccination of children between the ages of 12 and 18 as well as the third precautionary dose for eligible adults.

While Maharashtra had lifted most Covid-19 restrictions including mask mandates earlier this year, officials warn that some curbs may be brought back if the situation worsens. According to reports quoting Mumbai Guardian Minister Aslam Shaikh restrictions may be put in place if people do not pay heed to the situation.

Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope meanwhile struck a more reassuring note, stating during a presser today that there was no need for a Jumbo Covid-19 Centre at present as the number of patients being admitted to hospitals remained small. The lawmaker said that there were more than 3,500 active patients in the state at present with more than 2,500 of them hailing from Mumbai alone.

Tope said that the outbreaks appear to be exacerbated during the monsoon season as waterlogging is common in most places during this time.

While the hositalisation numbers have indeed risen, it is pertinent to note that the patients are primarily senior citizens or individuals with comorbidities.

As per the bulletin released by the civic body, Mumbai’s case recovery rate now stands at 98%. There are currently 24,472 beds available in city hospitals and only 90 beds are occupied at present. Times Now