Surge in COVID-19 cases: More than 70,000 households affected after BMC seals 1305 buildings in Mumbai

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Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Saturday (February 20) sealed over 1305 buildings in Mumbai, after 2749 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the city.

"A total of 1305 buildings were sealed in Mumbai after 2749 COVID-19 cases were reported. 71,838 households reside in these sealed buildings," BMC said.

Earlier, Mumbai mayor Kishori Pednekar had warned that the state government could think of imposing a "second lockdown" in the city to curb the spread of coronavirus.

"Covid-19 cases are rising fast in Mumbai and it has become a matter of concern for the civic body and the state government. An increase in the number of suburban services and resumption of all other activities could be a reason for the surge in cases," the Mumbai mayor had stated.

Earlier, on Thursday (February 18), Maharashtra's Health Minister Rajesh Tope took it to his official Twitter account to announce that, “I have tested positive for Covid-19. Though I am doing fine, I’ll follow the advice of the doctors. With all your blessings, I will defeat Covid-19 and be at your services soon. Those who have come in contact with me in the past few days must take all the precautions and get tested, if they develop any symptoms.”

माझी कोरोना चाचणी पॉझिटिव्ह आली आहे. माझी प्रकृती चांगली असून मी डॉक्टरांचा सल्ला घेत आहे. आपल्या सर्वांच्या आशीर्वादाने कोरोनाला हरवून लवकरच मी आपल्या सेवेत रुजू होईल. माझ्या संपर्कात आलेल्यांनी काळजी घ्यावी आणि लक्षणे दिसल्यास तत्काळ आपली कोरोना चाचणी करून घ्यावी. — Rajesh Tope (@rajeshtope11) February 18, 2021

According to the data, Maharashtra continues to see a surge in COVID-19 cases. The state today accounted for the highest jump in fresh daily infections across the nation. The total number of active coronavirus cases stand at 44,765 in the state.

“Maharashtra reported 6,112 new COVID-19 cases, 2,159 discharges, and 44 deaths in the last 24 hours. Total cases in the state stand at 20,87,632, including 19,89,963 recoveries, 44,765 active cases 51,713 deaths,” reported the Health department. 

To curb the spread of the virus, several districts of Maharashtra have declared lockdown. Additionally, the state government has appointed marshals to re-enforce usage of mask and social distancing at public places. 

BMC has also imposed additional rules to curb the spread, like any residential buildings with over five active cases of coronavirus would be sealed. Also the travellers coming to Mumbai from some countries will have to stay in seven-day mandatory institutional quarantine.

Updated guidelines issued by Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal to ensure that we don’t let #COVID19 get the better of Mumbai.#NaToCorona#MissionZero pic.twitter.com/Aq3xAdzdaf — माझी Mumbai, आपली BMC (@mybmc) February 18, 2021

The civic body has also started placing stamps on the hands of people who are placed under home quarantine. The officials will also be conducting inspections at wedding venues to ensure proper conduct under COVID-19 guidelines. 

The current limit of guests at function is set at 50, while restaurants are allowed to operate with 50% occupancy only.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said he has instructed administrations in the state to take strict action against people who are found without masks in public. He also added that he is going to chair a meeting to discuss the necessary measures to contain the spread of the virus on February 21 in Pune.