The Additional Municipal Commissioner of Brihanmumbai Municipal Commission has said that restrictions have not been eased out in containment zones as is being perceived by some.
“There is no easing of restrictions in containment zones. We can’t take things lightly even now. Though the figures of coronavirus situation are good and show that our efforts are bearing fruit but it is a long drawn battle and we have to fight it together,” Suresh Kakani told India Today.
The number of containment zones in Mumbai currently stands at 622 and the total number of positive coronavirus cases in these zones is 30,781. As many as 5,960 buildings remain sealed in the city.
BMC released official figures on Wednesday saying that 916 patients were discharged in 24 hours and the total number of recovered patients in the city is 85,327. The overall recovery rate is at 76% and the doubling rate is 72 days. Mumbai now has 20,123 active patients of coronavirus. The total tally of coronavirus cases in the city stands at 1,11,991 and the death toll is 6,247.
The numbers may be coming down but BMC officials say they are keeping a strict vigil on the containment zones and sealed buildings. BMC feels if things slip out of hand in these zones then things could get dangerous for the city.
Asked whether the BMC has eased norms on the number of the floors to be sealed in a building where a case has been reported, the AMC said that the local authority would judge this on a case to case basis.
“If a coronavirus case is found in a small building it makes sense to seal the entire building but if there is a case in a larger building it is better to seal the floors rather than the building. But still it is the local authority which will take a call as they have a better understanding of the area,” said Kakani.
The BMC has also claimed that the daily testing figures have reached the highest mark. On Tuesday, the testing figures were at 11, 643. The civic body says that figures show how the coronavirus figures are going down and testing numbers are going up.
Cabinet Minister Aaditya Thackeray revealed the city’s testing figures on Twitter on Wednesday. He tweeted, “Testing: 11643(Highest ever); Positive: 1104 cases; Positivity: 9.48% (was 24 % a fortnight ago); Hospital covid beds vacant: 7178 (5018 O2 beds); ICUs vacant 204”
